Major demands in the housing market have caused revitalization and adaptive reuse of historical landmarks-often vacant and underutilized buildings. The Insurance Exchange building conversion to a mixed-use building is a great example of that trend, with a restaurant in the basement, retail stores on the ground floor, residential lofts on upper floors, and a new penthouse on top.

The building was designed in 1924 by architect Harvey Lochridge in the Renaissance revival style, and has terra cotta cladding with an outstanding polychrome terra cotta ornamentation. Our developer and architect planned for preservation and restoration of the historical facades of this building, which is an integral part of the Long Beach downtown landscape. The critical fire and building code safety requirements were incorporated in the interior renovation of the structure. The exterior fire escape was relocated, windows replaced or renovated, terrazzo and marble steps were cleaned, and the interior exit stairs were enclosed.