NEWPORT BEACH : Redesign Plans for Balboa Presented

A team of architects Monday presented the City Council with plans to redesign downtown Balboa, an aging tourist destination that is plagued with parking and traffic problems.

The council listened to an oral presentation from a representative of the American Institute of Architects’ Regional Urban Design Assistance Team. Ideas on restoring the economic vitality to the Central Balboa area--which includes the Fun Zone, the Balboa Pier and the ferry--were given.

The main proposal is to build a several-hundred-space parking structure on Bay Street near the ferry landing and change Main Street from a vehicular street to a pedestrian corridor.

The presentation, made by the design team’s chairman, Ron Baers, also included proposals to retain the historical integrity and character of the area.

Taken together, the ideas presented to the council enhance what already exists on the Balboa Peninsula without radically changing the character of the area, according to a design team summary of its ideas.

This is not the first time council members have seen these plans. In late March, a three-day seminar was held for design team architects to unveil proposals to lend Balboa a new look.

“We want people to know about it as well,” said Councilwoman Jean H. Watt, explaining the need for a public presentation.

Council members were receptive to many of the ideas but will not take any action until a more detailed report is presented at the next scheduled council meeting in two weeks.

Watt said it will be at least a year before Balboa starts to change. The ideas have to be studied and approved by the Planning Commission and then sent to the council.