Insurance Exchange Building

Amidst the bustling energy of Long Beach, California, rises a structure that whispers tales of bygone eras. The Insurance Exchange Building stands as a testament to the city’s vibrant past. It’s a place where the echoes of commerce and justice intertwine, where clothing stores once thrived and courtrooms held sway. The Insurance Exchange Building, originally known as the Middough Building, first opened its doors in 1925. Brothers Lorne and Way Middough, the building’s namesakes, established their men’s and boy’s clothing store on the ground floor. Imagine the dapper suits and youthful attire displayed in the windows, drawing in the city’s fashion-conscious residents. But the Insurance Exchange Building wasn’t just about commerce. The newly formed Long Beach Municipal Court also called this building home, occupying the third, fifth, and sixth floors. The sounds of gavels and legal arguments filled the halls, shaping the course of justice in the city. For five years, the court held its sessions within these walls, a vital part of Long Beach’s civic life. The Middough brothers’ legacy continued until 1931, when they sold the building. It was then that the name changed to the Insurance Exchange Building, reflecting a shift in its purpose. This eight-story Beaux Arts masterpiece, with its 28,000 square feet of floor space, became a prominent landmark in downtown Long Beach. The building continued to evolve with the times. In 1958, new owners embarked on a modernization project, envisioning a “de luxe restaurant” on the top floor. Imagine the elegant diners enjoying panoramic views of the city. At the time, the ground floor housed the offices of stockbrokers Dean Witter & Co., while other tenants included Household Finance Co. and the Veloz and Yolanda dance studio. Picture the rhythmic sounds of dance classes emanating from the building, adding another layer to its vibrant tapestry. In 1962, the Insurance Exchange Building changed hands once more, sold for a reported $750,000. The new owner envisioned a hub for insurance companies, a testament to the building’s adaptability. The Insurance Exchange Building’s story culminates in its recognition as a historical landmark. In 2003, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, solidifying its place in Long Beach’s heritage. Even today, the Insurance Exchange Building continues to thrive. A 2007 upgrade project, part of The Promenade redevelopment, introduced a nightclub and a Jamaican restaurant. The building that once housed clothing stores, courtrooms, and stockbrokers now pulses with the rhythms of nightlife and the aromas of Caribbean cuisine. The Insurance Exchange Building stands as a symbol of Long Beach’s resilience and transformation. It is a place where history and modernity intertwine, where the echoes of the past resonate with the vibrancy of the present.