Memories of the C-17 Haunt LBX Markets |
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Mechanics from the Past Now Shop Among the Living
Where the C-17 once soared, echoes of the past are still present. The site that helped build the legendary C-17 Globemaster III is now home to Long Beach Exchange (LBX), a thriving retail and food hall destination centered around The Hangar. This repurposed space isn’t just for shopping and dining; it’s become a cultural anchor for the city.
Where the C-17 Once Soared at LGB, Business Now Takes Flight
The Hangar isn’t just a name, it’s a nod to the location’s past life as part of Long Beach’s aerospace manufacturing corridor. Before becoming a lifestyle hub, this area was where McDonnell Douglas (later Boeing) assembled military aircraft, including the massive C-17 cargo planes. When aircraft production ceased in 2015, the site began a thoughtful transformation from industrial facility to cultural marketplace and social space. Today, visitors stroll through what was once a hub of American aviation innovation, now reimagined for food, family, and fun.
Reimagining the Space from the Past
Today, LBX is owned and operated by private developers, originally Burnham-Ward Properties and now managed by DJM Capital and PGIM Real Estate. These developers invested over $150 million to bring the 266,000+ square-foot Long Beach Exchange to life. While vendor markets and community pop-ups might seem small in scale, they play a key role in increasing foot traffic and sustaining the wide range of retail tenants, boutique shops, and local eateries that call LBX home.
More Than LBX Events
Beyond the monthly Neighborhood Market, Long Beach Exchange hosts a rotating calendar of events that includes live music nights, food truck rallies, pet-friendly pop-ups, art walks, and seasonal celebrations like Halloween and winter holidays. Its design encourages lingering with open plazas, shaded patios, and access to a curated lineup of culinary vendors inside The Hangar food hall. LBX has become a top Long Beach destination for families, foodies, and anyone looking to enjoy a laid-back afternoon with local flair.
Why Long Beach Market Works So Well
LBX doesn’t just rent space. It cultivates experience. That’s what keeps businesses happy, consumers returning, and the property value rising. It's a modern reuse of legacy land that now helps fuel Long Beach’s cultural and economic engine.
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Event Details
LBX Neighborhood Market: Dia de Los Muertos & Not So Spooky |
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