Staffers at the Port of Long Beach’s administration building
have begun moving to a new interim building about a dozen miles inland as part
of a transition that’s expected to eventually result in a new, permanent home
near the waterfront.
The move to Long Beach Airport Plaza began in mid-February
and is occurring in stages over four weekends through March. The current
seven-story administration building, which sits in the heart of the port, is
being vacated because, among other reasons, it’s more than 50 years old,
overcrowded and doesn’t meet current seismic standards.
The port paid $14.25 million for the eight-story interim
building in December 2012, and since March 2013, has spent more than $16
million on repairs, upgrades and other costs, including new heating,
ventilation and air-conditioning; carpeting; and improved access for the
disabled.
The interim headquarters, which was previously occupied by
the Boeing Corp., was built in 1987; Long Beach closed escrow on it Dec. 27.
The building is expected to house the port’s administrative
staff of about 350 people for three to five years while the port seeks a
location for, and builds a new, permanent HQ in or near downtown Long Beach.
Beginning March 10, mail should be sent to the interim administrative
offices’ address: 4801 Airport Plaza Drive, Long Beach, CA 90815.
