Friday, December 6, 2024

A look inside the renovation of Long Beach’s mid-mod gem, the City Center hotel

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The City Center hotel always had the bones to become an Ace-like space. Fabulously mid-century modern. Centrally located and within walking distance of everything from the Terrace Theatre to the Promenade. And now, it has the makeover it always deserved.

Paloma Communities—a developer focused solely on hospitality and multi-family projects—took over the space in 2022. With it, they have 50 newly renovated rooms, an entirely re-done lobby and recreational courtyard, and have managed to keep the space’s mid-mod charm intact.

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City Center hotel as seen in 2011. Photo by Darren Bradley.

So what was the City Center hotel?

Constructed in 1961 under the eye of architect David Clark, the original City Center motel opened in 1962. At a time when The Pike was still a worthy competitor to the growing popularity of Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, the motel served as a key transit lodge for visitors wanting to explore the city.

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City Center motel as seen in 1964. Courtesy of Western Center.

In its last years as a “motel,” it actually served as a long-term housing space for veterans. And with it, brought controversy in 2022 when all of the tenants—veterans who had experienced homelessness—were served eviction notices despite having paid rent. This was after Paloma had purchased the 18,000-square-foot lot in order to pave the way for renovations.

Ultimately, the development will serve as a key to both visitors and conventioneers alike: It offers a distinctly boutique vibe that differs immensely from the corporate offerings on Ocean while also making home for Chef Philip and Lauren Pretty’s second restaurant concept, Olive & Rose.

And now, a look inside City Center hotel…

All photos are courtesy of Paloma Communities.

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Brian Addison
Brian Addisonhttp://www.longbeachize.com
Brian Addison has been a writer, editor, and photographer for more than 15 years, covering everything from food and culture to transportation and housing. In 2015, he was named Journalist of the Year by the Los Angeles Press Club and has since garnered 30 nominations and three additional wins. In 2019, he was awarded the Food/Culture Critic of the Year across any platform at the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards. He has since been nominated in that category every year, joining fellow food writers from the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, Eater, the Orange County Register, and more.

5 COMMENTS

  1. Why no parking lot?
    This Hotel/Restaurant just made a bad situation worse for the residents of downtown already challenged to find affordable parking.

    Why did the city allow this to happen?

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