Building on Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson’s vision to revitalize the downtown area, the Port of Long Beach is taking the first step toward acquiring a commercial office property to create a hub for companies connected to maritime trade.

The move advances Richardson’s economic development strategy, AnchorLB, aimed at encouraging international shippers, manufacturers and other logistics businesses to locate their offices in downtown Long Beach.

“At my State of the City, we launched AnchorLB with a simple idea: The companies that power Long Beach should have a presence in the heart of Long Beach,” Richardson said. “I challenged Port CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba to help bring that vision to life. Today’s acquisition turns that vision into action. This new downtown hub will bring together industry, workforce development and innovation, creating new opportunities for collaboration and helping strengthen the heart of our city.”

“A world-class port deserves a world-class business hub where industry leaders can work, meet and collaborate in a central location,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “Bringing maritime businesses into downtown Long Beach will strengthen our connection to the community, spur economic activity for local businesses and extend the benefits of trade beyond our waterfront.”

“This investment amplifies the impact Long Beach has on growing trade and building partnerships that reinforce our position as a premier international gateway,” Hacegaba said. “Building the Port of the Future relies on developing spaces for collaboration, innovation and training the next generation of workers who will keep cargo moving efficiently and sustainably.”

As a partner to the Mayor’s AnchorLB initiative, the Port of Long Beach will acquire the property at 100 Oceangate, located near the Long Beach Civic Center. The property includes a 13-story building with 226,748 rentable square feet of office space and a five-level parking structure.

In addition to serving trade-related businesses, the building will also provide space for meetings, workforce development initiatives and “Port U,” the Port of Long Beach’s internal training and career development program.