Newport residents air concerns about Museum House condo tower
Newport Beach residents voiced concerns Wednesday about how their ocean views and traffic conditions could be impacted by a proposed 25-story condominium tower in Newport Center.
Roughly 100 community members attended Speak Up Newport’s forum at City Hall to learn more about the 100-unit tower, known as Museum House, which city leaders are expected to consider this year.
Related California LLC’s proposal for Museum House would require demolishing the Orange County Museum of Art at 850 San Clemente Drive to make way for the 295-foot tower with two levels of subterranean parking on the 2-acre site.
OCMA has called its San Clemente Drive property home since 1977. Most recently, the museum announced that it plans to construct a new building for itself in Costa Mesa near the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Related California has entered into an agreement to eventually purchase OCMA’s land, which would help fund the museum’s move, officials have said.
Several attendees applauded the design of the project, but raised questions about its compatibility with Newport Center. Others voided concerns about the height of the building — it would be the tallest residential structure in Newport — and its potential to block their homes’ ocean views.
Newport Beach’s general plan, which provides a blueprint for development in specified zones of the city, calls for additional retail opportunities at Fashion Island, as well as additional hotel rooms and housing units in Newport Center, with emphasis on improving the area’s walkability while concentrating the development of new buildings along Newport Center Drive.
“It is a beautiful project,” resident Susan Skinner said of Museum House. “I think the issue that many of us have is we feel like we’ve reached the tipping point in Newport Beach and we’re looking more and more like Los Angeles.”
In response, Bill Witte, chairman and chief executive of Related California, showed renderings created with the use of a drone positioned above various neighborhoods in Newport Beach. The renderings suggested that Museum House would not impede residents’ views.
“Because this site is located at the end of the crescent of existing high-rise development in Fashion Island ... it tends to be hidden by the existing buildings,” Witte said.
Of the 100 units, 47 would have two bedrooms and three bathrooms; 53 would have three bedrooms and four bathrooms. They’re expected to range from 1,750 square feet to 4,950 square feet. Many would have balconies, according to initial project plans submitted to the city.
Museum House would also 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 pooland outdoor kitchen. A pet spa and wine cellar also is planned.
Witte pointed to architect Robert A.M. Stern’s design as a cornerstone element for the project.
“The design is classic, elegant and something that fits with the style of Newport Center,” Witte said. “He’s very experienced with this kind of project.”
Valet parking will be provided, which Witte said would reduce the need for guests to hunt for parking.
Witte said he expects the vast majority of buyers to be older people already living in Newport Beach and or in surrounding cities who are looking to either purchase a second home or move to a smaller living situation. The units are estimated to cost between $2 million and $4 million.
For the project to move forward, Newport Beach city leaders would have to approve a general plan amendment to change the property’s land use from private institutional to multi-unit residential, with a maximum development limit of 100 units.
Museum House’s draft environmental impact report is expected to be released in the coming weeks. The project will likely go to the Planning Commission for consideration in October. The City Council will also be required to sign off on the project.
Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
