Draft report on Museum House condo project sees few significant environmental effects
Draft environmental documents released Wednesday say that Museum House, a proposal for 100 condominiums in a 25-story building in Newport Center, would not have significant negative effects on views or traffic but that construction could create considerable noise for neighbors.
The plan by Related California LLC would require demolishing the Orange County Museum of Art’s current building at 850 San Clemente Drive to make way for the 295-foot tower with two levels of subterranean parking.
OCMA, which has called the 2-acre site home since 1977, recently announced plans to construct a new building for itself in Costa Mesa near the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Related California has entered an agreement to eventually purchase OCMA’s Newport Beach property, which would help fund the museum’s move, officials have said.
The draft environmental impact report published by PlaceWorks, a consultant for the city of Newport Beach, addresses potential effects on noise, views, traffic, aesthetics, air quality and other factors.
It indicates that construction noise over about a two-year period is expected to create a “significant and unavoidable” impact. However, the project, once completed, is not expected to create significant noise, the report states.
Museum House, designed by architect Robert A.M. Stern, would include 54 two-bedroom units with three bathrooms and 46 three-bedroom units with four bathrooms. The condos would range from 1,800 to 6,000 square feet. All units would include private balconies.
Prices would range from $2 million to $4 million.
The project also would contain a common area with a club room, library, viewing deck and concierge. Its third level would have additional common space, including a terrace with a garden and barbecue grills, a fitness and spa area, a pool and an outdoor kitchen. A pet spa and wine cellar also are planned.
“The board of trustees of the Orange County Museum of Art pledged to the Newport Beach community to develop our property in a responsible and sensitive manner,” OCMA Chief Executive Todd Smith said in a statement. “The Museum House draft environmental impact report makes it clear that Related’s plan accomplishes both.
“Robert A.M. Stern is one of the world’s finest architects, and his handsome, classic design will serve our community well for generations.”
But some residents have raised concerns about traffic, changes to views in Newport Center and an increase in water use stemming from the proposed project.
The report says the project, which would be located in a more densely built area of the city, would not adversely affect views of the Pacific Ocean or Newport Bay.
Though the buildings immediately adjacent to the site are primarily low- and mid-rise, the environmental report notes the tower would not be the first of its kind in the Newport Center area.
“It would complement the existing skyline of tall buildings,” the report states.
The report also determined that the project would not have a significant effect on traffic in the area and would not impact the level of service for the existing roadways.
The development is expected to generate about 310 new vehicle trips per day. About 108 daily trips are generated by OCMA, according to the report.
Many residents also have raised concerns about the impact that developments like Museum House might have on the local water supply. Museum House is expected to increase water demand on the site, but the report states the city has enough water to serve the project.
The museum property currently uses 7,019 gallons per day; Museum House would require an average daily flow of 50,404 gallons, the report states.
The project is proposed to have several water-efficient features, including landscape irrigation systems with weather sensors, timers and low-flow irrigation devices, and low-flow faucets, toilets and shower heads.
“It’s very important to us that Museum House is not only exquisitely planned but seamlessly fits into the surrounding community,” Related California Chief Executive and Chairman Bill Witte said in a statement. “Since the start of the EIR process, we made it our utmost priority to meet with the community and get their feedback, because we understand that this project works best when we work with our neighbors.”
The environmental report will be available for public review and comment until Sept. 30. After the written comment period, the city will publish responses and send the final report to the Planning Commission and City Council.
The project is tentatively scheduled to be heard by the Planning Commission in October and the City Council later this year.
For information on the draft environmental impact report and how to comment, visit newportbeachca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/21920/2720.
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