Business View Magazine | December 2020

435 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2020 BELLFLOWER , CAL I FORNI A downtown core. Howard CDM, the development company responsible for SteelCraft, is actively working on another project in Bellflower. This new endeavor involves repurposing a three-story 1950’s era JC Penney building, which was destined for demolition. Named “The Exchange”, the top floor will be home to the Howard CDM headquarters. The second floor will offer a shared office environment, while a maker space and makers mall will fill the main floor, along with possibility of a distillery, microbrewery, and bakery. Scheduled to open by the end of 2020, this building will carry a WELL Certificate, a unique certification awarded for meeting environmentally responsible building standards. The building’s design includes features such as natural light and open air spaces. Bellflower Mayor, Juan Garza, explains, “It’s pretty unique, and exclusive. It incorporates environmentally-friendly components, but also completed Regional Transit Center – a 278-stall parking structure in the downtown core. With its white façade and traditional architecture, the new building fits naturally into its surroundings. Jim DellaLonga, Director of Economic Development shares, “It was completed, and then the ribbon cutting occurred during the onslaught of COVID-19. It was very unusual to host a socially distant ribbon cutting. We opened it with great anticipation, and then everything was closed. Once things get back to normal, we know it’s going to be well used. We are really excited. It’s a beautiful addition to downtown.” Downtown revitalization is ongoing in Bellflower. One recent addition is the SteelCraft Bellflower project, which was completed in June of 2019. Built out of repurposed shipping containers, the goal of the SteelCraft developer was to create a place for craft eateries and the community to come together. With a variety of food and drink offerings and a communal dining space, the unique building is a foodie’s dream that draws both residents and visitors to the