HISTORY & OVERVIEW
Acres of Books was a famous bookstore that operated from this building from 1960 until 2008. It was a treasure trove for book lovers, housing thousands of books covering various genres and subjects. Many people in Long Beach and beyond remember Acres of Books fondly and were saddened when it closed its doors in 2008.
The building remained vacant for several years until 2019, Urbana Development, a local, boutique developer, began to repurpose the space into a new retail/ entertainment hub. After completion in 2023, the building now comprises two structures, the front building approximately 3,000 square feet and the rear building approximately 6,000 square feet. The renovation preserved the historical Streamline Modern facade while adding new glass features to allow for more natural light, 25-foot high ceilings, and a 45-foot Glass line facing Long Beach Blvd.
The project also includes an open-air promenade that separates the two buildings, with exterior patios for people to gather, relax and enjoy. This feature adds an inviting element to the buildings, making them ideal for creative retail, restaurant, brewery, or distillery use. The location is nestled between the new Onni East Village Community, which boasts 432 luxury apartments with various amenities and ample convenient parking.
The building’s rich history and unique features make it an important part of Long Beach’s cultural heritage. Its renovation by Urbana Development has given the building new life while maintaining its original character, making it an excellent addition to the vibrant and dynamic Downtown Long Beach community.
1927 The first incarnation of Acres of Books is founded by Bertand Smith, a prominent book dealer, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
1934 Bertrand Smith and his wife move to Long Beach, California and buy the Wyley Bookstore on Broadway near American Avenue (now Long Beach Boulevard) and the Fred Pettit store on the 700 block of Pine Avenue and consolidate them to establish Acres of Books at 140 Pacific Ave.
1960 Smith relocates Acres of Books to 240 Long Beach Boulevard.
1990 Acres of Books is designated a cultural heritage landmark by the City of Long Beach.
2007 The Jane Austen Book Club uses Acres of Books as one of its filming locations.
2008 Acres of Books is sold to the City of Long Beach Redevelopment Agency. It officially closes on October 18, 2008.
2016 Urbana LLC is handpicked by the City of Long Beach to redevelop the Acres of Books property.
2023 A new chapter continues…
