A popular historical tourist attraction will become even more prevalent shortly. As the Los Angeles Times reports, plans have been unveiled for a $250-million entertainment complex near the historic Queen Mary tourist attraction in Long Beach, California.
Gensler
The complex will spring up right on the bayfront near the Queen Mary, which has seen better days and is in need of repairs. The development will help pay for that, and it’s also expected to be a boon for the area as well. “The Queen Mary is an icon that we envision lasting forever. We hope the ship is regularly cared for, maintained and structurally supported for decades to come,” said Taylor Woods, a principal at Urban Commons, the real estate firm that operates the Queen Mary on a 66-year lease from the city.
Urban Commons has some ambitious plans on tap that would totally remake the area into a premier tourist destination. Plans call for a 200-room hotel, a retail component that spans nearly 700,000 square feet, an additional 150,000 square foot facility that will include about 20 experiential activities, as well as cafes, shops and bars along a new 2,400-foot-long boardwalk.
“We would like it to be a family-friendly environment, where people find good entertainment, great food, and dancing, where they’re entertained in every way possible,” Woods continued.
On the entertainment front, it sounds like Urban Commons is right on the money. Families will have their choice of activities including ice climbing, surfing, kayaking, zip-lining, surfing and simulated skydiving. Local officials are similarly enthusiastic about the planned project.
“Queen Mary Island will invigorate our downtown core,” said Mayor Robert Garcia.
The historic Queen Mary traces its roots back to Scotland, where it was built before being placed in service in England from 1936 to 1967. It’s been docked ever since and remains an active tourist attraction despite the need for repairs and renovations. Urban Commons has those roots in mind, as they have put their heads together with architecture firm Gensler to harken back to that era with the new development, while also mingling in a little of that familiar Southern California style.
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Ultimately, the hope is that the complex becomes not only a favorite spot for tourists but for the locals as well. The company expects to break ground in the next two years once approvals are granted, and construction on the massive complex is expected to take several years
