Cool news on the Acres of Books front! Long Beach’s former literary landmark has sat empty and unloved for the nearly two years since it was sold to the city’s redevelopment agency, but major progress is now being made toward kickstarting its new life as a hub of artistic activity. The Press-Telegram reports:

The Long Beach Redevelopment Agency Board approved the final environmental impact report for Art Exchange, an art-driven facility where visitors can watch local artists create, buy art and attend classes.

The 10,150-square-foot building would be at least silver LEED certified and incorporate the front 5,000 square feet of Art Deco facade of Acres of Books, the longtime business that once attracted writer Ray Bradbury and other literati to its cavernous bookstore at 240 Long Beach Blvd., Acres’ home for 50 of its 74 years.

Current plans are for the Art Exchange to be administrated by a nonprofit group, and to feature “artists studios, a hot shop for glass making, ceramics production, demonstrations and classes, gallery spaces” and more.