Entitlements for Residences at Newport Center project approved by Newport City Council

It’s upward and onward for the developers of the Residences at Newport Center project, which received unanimous approval for its entitlements Tuesday night from the Newport Beach City Council after nearly eight years in the city’s review pipeline.

It was initially reintroduced to city staff last fall after property owner Newport Center Anacapa Associates, LLC, had withdrawn the project altogether in 2016.

Plans at the time were for the Residences at Newport Center to be about seven stories high with approximately 49 units. It was later scaled down to a 35-unit project, but planning commissioners contended it was too bulky for its location.

It’s been since scaled down to about 28 luxury condominiums in four stories and is expected to have at least two levels of subterranean parking.

Development of the project will require the demolition of an existing car wash on the property at 150 Newport Center Drive.

A worker wipes down a vehicle at Newport Beach Car Wash. Development of the Project would entail demolition of the Newport Beach Car Wash and the construction and operation of the 28-unit condominium structure.

(Kevin Chang / Staff Photographer)

Planning commissioners approved the project for council review in August.

Developers purchased the property in 2013 and applicant Tod Ridgeway said in a previous interview that the applications for the entitlement really kicked off in January 2014.

“After eight years and being denied a couple of times, it’s a relief,” Ridgeway said with a laugh during a call Wednesday. “I was so happy it was so well-received by [the City] Council. Obviously, I feel relieved and great. It’s been a long time.”

As part of the action, the Newport Beach City Council approved a general plan amendment, zoning code amendment and a development agreement for the project.

City staff said in a report prepared for Tuesday’s meeting that the project would redevelop an aging and underutilized site in Newport.

“I think you first came forward, I think ... you’ve been working it ... [since] five years ago. We’ve got to move things faster. I appreciate your patience and your fortitude and you listened to the residents,” Councilwoman Diane Dixon told the developer. “... I just want to thank you for listening to the community. The materials you identified here conform precisely, if not exceed our general plan requirements.”

“Natural wood, stone, nothing artificial — totally Newport Beach quality,” Dixon said.

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