A mixed-use apartment building is set to rise at the former site of the First Methodist Church in Downtown Long Beach.

The proposed development from Torrance-based Anastasi Development Company would rise at the northwest corner of 5th Street and Pacific Avenue, across the street from the Blue Line's Pacific Avenue Station. Plans call for the construction of a seven-story structure which would feature 157 one-, two-, and three-bedroom dwellings above 9,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and 209 parking stalls in a two-level podium structure.

Architect Randy Morris is designing the project, which will consist of five levels of wood-frame construction and a two-level concrete base. Floor plans show open space amenities, including a recreation room, a fitness room, and two courtyards at the building's third floor.

The Long Beach Planning Commission is scheduled to review Anastasi's proposal at its meeting on January 3. A staff report to the commission recommends that the project should be approved.

Anastasi is the latest developer to turns its attention to Pacific Avenue, where three similar developments are either planned or under construction. At the corner of 3rd Street and Pacific, AMLI Residential and Sares-Regis Group are building nearly 400 apartments in side-by-side podium developments. At 7th Street and Pacific, Holland Partner Group has commenced with site preparation for an eight-story, 271-unit apartment building.