Long Beach Airport (LGB) is looking to expand its wings, as the City of Long Beach unveils a request for proposals (RFP) for the development of a substantial swath of land within its perimeter. The Wardlow Parcel, spanning 17 acres on the west side of the airfield, is now up for grabs for aeronautical developers eager to bolster the airport's facilities and services, potentially bringing new jobs and investments to the historic site, according to a city press release.
Adjacent to the parcel, a project by the Goodman Company calls for light industrial buildings. Eyeing this as a prime opportunity, Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson was cited in the press release, enthusing “With LGB’s central location and its role as a hub for economic activity and aerospace innovation, we expect this opportunity will attract strong interest from the aeronautical community.” The 100-year-old airport, the oldest municipal airport in California, offers a unique opportunity for builders to add to an extensive portfolio that includes Class A office space along with retail and industrial facilities.
The city's announcement aligns with the growth trajectory of an airport that has been a cornerstone of Long Beach's economic lifeblood for a century. Long Beach Airport Director Cynthia Guidry echoed this sentiment, declaring in the statement, “I’m looking forward to seeing the aviation-related proposals for this available space, which I’m sure will create jobs and boost our local economy, as we are already a hub for aviation and aerospace innovation.” This move promises to complement the airport's already robust infrastructure which boasts three runways, a hotel, and various commercial ventures.
Qualified organizations interested in taking their businesses to new heights have until 11:00 a.m. on April 2, 2024, to submit proposals through Long Beach Buys. Looking to secure a future steeped in further innovation, LGB seeks visionary proposals that will integrate seamlessly with the adjacent existing businesses, as outlined in the RFP accessible on the city's official vendor portal. Home to around 466,000 residents, Long Beach harbors an award-winning full-service cityscape, blending scenic beaches with robust neighborhoods and cultural connections, all of which feed into its potent economic ecosystem.
Beyond its value as a transit hub, Long Beach Airport has been a valued community member, with its presence bolstering both tourism and business, hosting over a million square feet of real estate, enveloped in the broader charm and productivity of Long Beach itself. The city that plays host to the renowned Aquarium of the Pacific, the historical Queen Mary, and now invites innovators to stake their claim to the next chapter at Long Beach Airport.
