The City of Long Beach, in partnership with the Long Beach Community Investment Company (LBCIC) and LINC Housing Corporation (LINC), celebrated the groundbreaking of The Spark at Midtown (The Spark), a 95-unit affordable housing development in Midtown Long Beach.

“Long Beach’s efforts to address and expand affordable housing opportunities across all parts of the City continues to be a priority,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “The Spark will provide affordable homes, address homelessness and further promote the revitalization of the Long Beach Boulevard corridor.”

The event, featuring ceremonial shovels used by City and Los Angeles County elected officials and representatives from partner agencies, was held on the vacant lot at 1900 – 1940 Long Beach Blvd. where the five-story apartment project will be built.

The Spark will feature a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units for individuals and families earning between 30 and 60 percent of the area median income, including 47 units reserved for households experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness. The development will also offer 12,388 square feet of ground floor retail, including a new YMCA Youth Institute, a Mental Health America of Los Angeles café for workforce training, and a Dignity Health St. Mary Medical Center health clinic.

“We are thrilled to see construction underway and new affordable housing coming to Midtown,” said Vice Mayor Dee Andrews, who represents the City Council’s Sixth District where the project is located. “I’m thankful for the exceptional partnership with LINC Housing in creating this terrific development!”

Residents will have access to over 11,000 square feet of common open space and residential amenities will include a 3,700-square-foot community room with a kitchen and dining area, a community garden, and a dedicated space for an after-school program for school-age residents.

Second Development Also Breaks Ground

The City of Long Beach, in partnership with its nonprofit affiliate, The Long Beach Community Investment Company (LBCIC), joined with Clifford Beers Housing to celebrate the groundbreaking of Vistas del Puerto, a 48-unit affordable housing development in Midtown Long Beach.

“We are committed to building more affordable housing and this project is another great step towards meeting our goals in our Everyone Home Long Beach report,” said Mayor Robert Garcia, who attended the afternoon event at 1836 Locust Ave. “Vistas del Puerto is an exceptional model of supportive housing, and it will take us further in fulfilling our goal of ending homelessness in Long Beach.”

The project, a five-story apartment complex consisting of two buildings, is expected to open in late 2020.

Vistas del Puerto will feature one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for lower-income families earning between 30 and 50 percent of the area median income. Half of the apartments will be reserved for individuals with special needs, including people with chronic health conditions and individuals who have experienced or are experiencing homelessness.

The transit-oriented Vistas del Puerto development is located less than a quarter mile from the Metro Blue Line light rail and bus lines that operate along both Long Beach Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway, which will connect residents to vital services and workplaces in Long Beach and beyond.

“The LBCIC remains committed to partnering with both public and private entities to help alleviate the local housing crisis, especially for our homeless population and families,” said John Thomas, The LBCIC Chair. “This will be The LBCIC’s third affordable housing development with Clifford Beers Housing and we hope to continue our valuable partnership.”

For more information on the City’s affordable housing and assistance programs, visit http://lbds.info and click on “Housing and Community Improvement.”