6-story residential project for Newport Center heads to Planning Commission vote
A six-story, 45-unit residential development proposed for Newport Center is expected to go to a vote of the Newport Beach Planning Commission on Thursday night.
Newport Center Anacapa Associates has proposed building 150 Newport Center, a 65-foot-tall townhome and condominium project, to replace the Beacon Bay Auto Wash and adjacent gas station on 1.26 acres the company owns along Newport Center Drive near Anacapa Drive.
The building previously was proposed to be seven stories reaching 69 feet tall and including 49 residential units. The developer reduced the size in its most recent plan.
However, city staff has recommended that the Planning Commission cap the building at five stories, meaning it would reach a height of 55 feet, with mechanical equipment reaching up to 61 feet. That alternative would keep the number of residential units at 45 but would increase the building’s footprint, staff said.
After the commission votes, the project will go before the City Council at a future meeting.
As proposed, 150 Newport Center would consist of a total of 15 townhomes on the first and second levels, nine units on both the third and fourth levels, eight units on the fifth level and four on the sixth level. The residences would range from 1,645 to 3,608 square feet.
Amenities would include a rooftop pool, a clubhouse and a dog run. The building is designed as a single structure with two enclaves connected at the center. The exterior would have a concrete facade, stainless-steel finishes and glass, according to a city staff report.
Thursday’s meeting will be the second public hearing on the proposed development.
During a July meeting, Planning Commission Chairman Kory Kramer took issue with sharply reduced setbacks from the street that would result from a five-story building on the site. The five-story option shows 15-foot setbacks, while the six-story version includes up to 34-foot setbacks.
Commissioners also raised concerns that even if the project is capped at 55 feet, it would be taller than surrounding buildings.
However, they also indicated support for residential buildings in Newport Center to help promote walkability in the area.
Newport Center Anacapa Associates said in discussions with city staff that a height reduction to 55 feet would remove several amenities, including a lounge, a workout room and a catering facility that were proposed in earlier versions of the project.
For the development to move forward, the Planning Commission would have to vote to change the land-use designation for the site from regional commercial office to multi-unit residential. Commissioners have expressed interest in changing the land use to mixed-use horizontal, which would limit the number of dwelling units to 33 and could incorporate restaurant or retail uses, according to a staff report.
“The addition of non-residential floor area to the proposed residential project presents traffic, parking, land use and utilities implications, which would require the [environmental impact report] to be revised and recirculated to incorporate and consider these potential impacts,” staff wrote.
Thursday’s meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive.
Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
