More tenants commit to landmark building

Lolita Harper

COSTA MESA -- Two more names have been added to the sign outside of

1901 Newport Plaza, subtly announcing that the once-empty giant is coming

back to life.

The large Spanish-style building on the corner of 19th Street and

Newport Boulevard is a landmark building in the heart of downtown Costa

Mesa, spokeswoman Cindy Giordano said.

“Filling that space provides an energy level that will revitalize the

entire area,” Giordano said.

Hoag Hospital and The Dollar Store have added their names to the

center’s sign and signed lease agreements with Hudson Properties LLC, the

company that bought the dormant plaza in March.

The Dollar Store will move its corporate headquarters into the center,

only two blocks away from the chain’s first retail store on Newport

Boulevard. Hoag Hospital will operate a diabetes center from the site,

Tornek said.

Both businesses are expected to move into their space in the upcoming

month, property manager Terry Tornek said. A smaller business, Barri

Chiropractic and Sports Medicine -- whose lease agreement does not

include a prominent sign -- is already operating out of a small space in

the plaza while its suite is being finished, Tornek said.

The three new businesses join Turnip Rose as the first of many tenants

for the property, Tornek said. Hudson Properties is negotiating with

various businesses to fill the 147,000 square feet of leasable space, he

said.

“It’s a smashing place. I’m really proud of it,” Tornek said. “Our job

is to get it as full as we can, as fast as we can.”

Spaces in the building range from 2,000 to 80,000 square feet but the

average business will probably fill spaces of 6,000 to 10,000 square

feet, Tornek said. Offices will occupy most of the space, but some light

retail may go in on the first floor, Tornek said. A few restaurants are

also interested in the space because of the stylish architecture, he

said.

“Things are happening over there; it’s an exciting time,” Tornek said.

Officials of Hudson Properties bought the plaza March 30. Shortly

after, renovation work began that included painting, adding new

wrought-iron gates and fences, repaving the parking lot, redoing

glasswork and repairing fountains.

The large building -- formerly known as Federal Pacific Savings Plaza

-- sat empty for nearly a decade until catering company Turnip Rose

announced it was leasing space from the new owners in March. The main

building was built in 1982, though the old schoolhouse, on the same

property, was built in 1900 and restored in 2001.

Ed Fawcett, chief executive and president of the Costa Mesa Chamber of

Commerce, said the success of 1901 Newport Plaza is important not only to

Hudson Properties but neighboring businesses such as Triangle Square.

When tenants start to fill the plaza, it will create a built-in market

for Triangle Square and the entire downtown area, Fawcett said.

“I will applaud loudly for anyone they bring in there,” Fawcett said.

Giordano agreed, adding that not only will there be a tangible effect

of more foot traffic, but a psychological benefit as well.

“Life at [1901 Newport Plaza] will give the perception of a more

energetic downtown,” she said.

The plaza -- originally designed as a bank headquarters -- offers

unique features such teak doors and windows, windows of multi-paned

beveled glass, carved stone around the exterior of the property and

several fountains and trees.

* Lolita Harper covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

574-4275 or by e-mail at o7 lolita.harper@latimes.comf7 .