Balboa Yacht Basin Redevelopment Project
Many of the buildings at the Balboa Yacht Basin are well over 50 years old, have run their useful life, and are in dire need of significant upgrades and renovation. As a result, the City of Newport Beach has conducted a lengthy and thorough “RFP” (Request for Proposal) process to identify options to renovate the site by partnering with a third party. The results of the RFP were presented to the City Council at a study session on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, where participation and input from the general public was invited.
The City Council directed staff to continue with the project proposed by Burnham-Ward Properties, and solicit additional feedback and input from the Balboa Yacht Basin tenants and residents in the surrounding neighborhoods and communities. The proposal containing renderings and the site plan are located HERE.
PROJECT LOCATION
The Balboa Yacht Basin is located at 829 Harbor Island Drive. The area of the property subject to this redevelopment project is approximately 14,362 square feet in size (Outlined in red in the exhibit below)
Location Map | Redevelopment Area Subject Property | |
Tideland Boundaries |
EXISTING CONDITIONS
The portion of the property subject to redevelopment is comprised of several different uses and tenants, including the Galley Cafe restaurant, residential apartment units, office, and storage garages.
PROPOSED PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed redevelopment project at the Balboa Yacht Basin encompasses renovating or replacing the existing buildings along the north edge of the site. The scope of the project includes retaining and updating the iconic Galley Café restaurant with the option to add outdoor dining, increasing the number of office and storage units, and enhancing and expanding the existing Myrtle Park. Existing amenities provided to slip tenants of the marina will be replaced with new facilities, including restrooms and showers, and oil collection facilities. The existing parking count (136 spaces) and configuration will remain largely unchanged.
Renovated Buildings | Galley Cafe | Myrtle Park |
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DEVELOPER PROPOSAL - CLICK HERE FOR CONCEPTUAL RENDERINGS
In response to Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 2024-19, Burnham Ward Properties has submitted a proposal to redevelop a portion of the Balboa Yacht Basin’s landside amenities. Proposed improvements shall include the renovation or replacement of all buildings within the project footprint, including a new exterior skin, roofs, patios, select framing, etc. to facilitate the redevelopment while minimizing the required entitlement processing. The existing uses (current restaurant, office, storage, and slip tenant amenities) shall be preserved, within the existing building footprints. The project will result in updated structures with contemporary maritime designs consistent with the characteristics and charm of other Newport Beach waterfront properties.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What is the timeline of the redevelopment project? |
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Subject to City Council approval of an agreement with the developer in 2024, design is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2025 and construction would begin in approximately 2028, upon receipt of the necessary entitlement end permitting approvals.
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Whal types of storage rooms and office spaces will be available? |
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The proposed design transforms 32 existing storage garages into 104 storage units that will be accessible via an interior corridor on the ground floor. The office spaces will be expanded to accommodate additional units to serve small and single-occupant users. The office spaces, which are currently located on the second floor, will continue to sit above the storage units and overlook the marina. | |||
How will this redevelopment impact the surrounding community? | |||
This redevelopment project is anticipated to enhance and expand the existing public pocket-park – Myrtle Park, for the local neighborhood. The redevelopment will preserve the historic Newport staple, the Galley Café restaurant, through both foundational and cosmetic updates. With the increased number of storage spaces, more of the existing marina tenants will be able to store boat equipment on-site, improving security by limiting access via an interior corridor rather than exterior facing garages. Similarly, converting the existing offices and apartments to small footprint single-user office units will reduce the number of garages being incorrectly used to operate small businesses. With the improved layout and efficiency for the storage and office spaces anticipated to be used primarily by existing marina slip tenants, the developer does not expect a significant increase in traffic or trips to the site. The current 172 slips will not be modified by the redevelopment project. | |||
How will traffic and parking be managed? |
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The existing parking spaces and drive aisles at the property are not included in the proposed redevelopment project and are not anticipated to be adjusted or relocated elsewhere on the site. |
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Who is leading the project? |
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City staff will facilitate the project on behalf of the City and as the owner of the property. Staff will work in conjunction with the developer, Burnham Ward Properties, who submitted the proposal for redevelopment of a portion of the site. See Proposal Here | |||
Will there be opportunities for public engagement and feedback? |
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The City will hold a Townhall meeting on Monday, June 17, 2024, at 5pm in the Civic Center Community Room, located at 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach. City staff and the developer will be on hand to discuss the proposed project, the process, and next steps, and to receive the public’s input and feedback about the redevelopment project. In addition, please share your thoughts about the proposed project by responding to the survey linked on this page. | |||
How can interested parties slay updated on the project's progress? |
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You can find any and all information regarding design, implementation, and updates on the City website. |