Coastal commission allows Balboa Inn expansion
Paul Clinton
NEWPORT BEACH -- The California Coastal Commission approved the
renovation of the Balboa Inn on Tuesday, ignoring a staff recommendation
to reject the face lift and expansion.
The commission unanimously approved the plan at its daylong meeting in
Los Angeles.
Commissioners brushed aside concerns in a commission staff report that
the project would unduly obstruct scenic views of Newport Harbor.
Instead, they praised the long-awaited expansion as the jewel in
Balboa Village’s tarnished crown. Mayor Tod Ridgeway spoke at the
hearing, lauding the project as a leading factor in the village’s
comeback. Commissioners agreed.
“It was a way to help the city accomplish the revitalization of that
area,” Commissioner Shirley Dettloff said. “What we saw was a centerpiece
the city is using to make changes in that area.”
The $1.5-million expansion will go along with the city’s $8.8-million
revamp of the city’s streets and parking in the village and a $4-million
restoration of Balboa Theater.
Michel Pourmussa, the hotel’s owner, could not be reached for comment.
Pourmussa’s plan for the historic hotel, placed on the National
Register of Historic Places in 1986, calls for the addition of 2,000
square feet of retail shops, a 24-car parking garage and 11 high-end
suites.
The hotel’s swimming pool would be relocated to the second deck of the
parking structure.
The hotel was built in 1929, served as a girls school during World War
II and was owned by a group of NBA players in the 1980s.
But it badly needs work, city and business leaders say.
“It deserves a face lift and expansion,” Newport Beach Chamber of
Commerce Executive Director Richard Luehrs has said.
Commission staff members objected to Pourmussa’s plan to significantly
enlarge the building. But Dettloff said the inn is a special case and
wouldn’t lead to other businesses following suit.
“It will not be a problem,” Dettloff said. “The height of the building
-- in a commercial area -- would not set a precedent for having other
buildings that height.”
* Paul Clinton covers the environment and John Wayne Airport. He may
be reached at (949) 764-4330 or by e-mail ato7
paul.clinton@latimes.comf7 .
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