Long Beach to see new shopping complex on PCH by 2019

LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- A mid-century hotel was demolished at 2nd Street and Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach and a new two-story outdoor shopping center with ocean views is set to replace it in 2019.

With customers increasingly opting for online shopping, convenience and variety seem to be the magic words and vision for CenterCal Properties. The company is building the 230,000 square-foot shopping center named after its location: 2nd and PCH.

"We've got an upper level that overlooks the ocean, with a lot of great restaurants and outdoor seating," said Jean Paul Wardy, president of CenterCal Properties.

The company says there will be about 50 tenants, with a range of services from Whole Foods groceries to a fitness center and traditional retail.

Long Beach residents offered mixed reactions to the plan, with some saying they welcome any addition to their shopping options.

Others expressed concerns about parking and traffic.

"I don't know if we need yet another shopping center, especially in this area," said local resident Elizabeth Caswell. "We have plenty. They just opened The Pike downtown. We're kind of being inundated by shopping centers now."