City of Long Beach Unveils Design for Cambodia Town Grand Entrance

City of Long Beach
Public Information Office
411 W. Ocean Blvd,
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.longbeach.gov

Above: The final rendering of the Cambodia Town Grand Entrance landmark.

Long Beach - The City of Long Beach has unveiled the design for the Cambodia Town Grand Entrance, a planned signature landmark that will celebrate Cambodia Town's rich history and cultural contributions. The final design was revealed to the Cambodia Town community by Mayor Rex Richardson and Sixth District Councilwoman Dr. Suely Saro at the annual Cambodia Town Parade and Culture Festival at Long Beach City College (1305 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.) on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

"After a meaningful process with the community, we are proud to unveil the Cambodia Town Gateway-a landmark that reflects the pride, history, and cultural richness of Long Beach's Cambodian community," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "Cambodia Town is a cornerstone of our city, and this gateway stands as a powerful tribute to a community whose resilience and contributions have helped shape who we are. As we continue investing in neighborhoods through Elevate '28, this grand entrance will welcome residents and visitors for generations to come."

Cambodia Town, located along Anaheim Street between Atlantic and Junipero Avenues, is home to the largest Cambodian community in the United States. The district is home to many Khmer-owned businesses and serves as a hub for Cambodian art, music, cuisine and cultural heritage.

Throughout the design process, the City worked closely with the community and local organizations to design a grand entrance that both honors Cambodian culture and celebrates and uplifts Cambodia Town's history and identity. Initial concept designs were informed by the Cambodia Town Advisory Group, who provided insight and guidance on Cambodian culture, symbolism and significant motifs. The final design was informed by direct community feedback at the 2025 Cambodia Town Parade and Culture Festival and an online survey, made available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog, allowing residents to provide feedback and vote on their preferred concept. More than 1,000 votes and survey responses were collected both online and in person, with approximately 69% of respondents favoring Concept 1, the unveiled design.

"Cambodia Town is an integral cultural heartbeat of Council District 6, and this project is a meaningful step toward honoring the Cambodian community's heritage and identity," said Sixth District Councilwoman Dr. Suely Saro. "By working together with residents, we're building a gateway that reflects the pride, resilience and vibrancy of this neighborhood."

The Cambodia Town Grand Entrance Project will join many projects delivered by the Department of Public Works to enhance the neighborhood, alongside the Mark Twain Library Improvements, the MLK Jr. Park Swimming Pool Improvements, the Burnett Neighborhood Library Energy Efficiency Upgrades and the recently completed MacArthur Park Rehabilitation project. These projects are part of the Elevate '28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, a historic initiative dedicated to enhancing Long Beach parks, community facilities, mobility access and streets. Learn more at LBElevate28.com.

"Our team is proud to lead the development of a landmark that honors the cultural richness of Cambodia Town," said Josh Hickman, Director of Public Works. "Community feedback was essential as we worked to create a gateway that not only celebrates Cambodian heritage but also supports local businesses and enhances the public space for the people who live, work, and visit here."

Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2027, pending full funding and completion of the bid and award process. The City is actively working to responsibly identify potential funding sources as the Department of Public Works continues to advance the work needed to bring the project to construction. While a majority of the funding has been secured, the Cambodia Town Advisory Group is launching a fundraising campaign for additional funding to support a perforated screen to encase the gateway sign.

For more information about the Cambodia Town Grand Entrance project, visit lbcity.info/CTGrandEntrance.

About the City of Long Beach

Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information about the Department of Public Works visit longbeach.gov/pw and follow @lbpublicworks on Facebook, X and Instagram.