Complex comes to downtown

COSTA MESA — The scaffolding is up at 19th Street and Newport Boulevard. The parking structure is already completed behind it. A banner hangs in front featuring the word “Pacifica” — a word that may soon spell out a new era in Costa Mesa’s downtown.

A year ago, the city broke ground on a 145-unit condominium complex that would provide residences within walking distance of Triangle Square and the shops at the foot of the 55 Freeway.

The complex, known as Pacifica, is next door to the Newport Plaza development at 1901 Newport Blvd., and may begin selling its first units in August.

City officials and local business owners hope those units help stimulate the economy on Costa Mesa’s south side. The downtown sits evenly between two shopping landmarks of Orange County — South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island — and having a clientele next door, according to some, could make it a major player.

“I think it’s likely to have a huge impact on the downtown,” said Costa Mesa Planning Commissioner Eleanor Egan. “My hope is that an influx in the number of people residing there in the heart of downtown will, first of all, revitalize the businesses that are there already and give a reason for other businesses to move into the area to serve that population.”

Ed Fawcett, president of the Chamber of Commerce, said Pacifica would not only benefit nearby stores, but also likely increase property values downtown and stimulate further development.

“It’s a great project,” he said. “We’ve been supportive all along.”

According to Michael Eadie, the vice president of Rutter Development Corp., the first 32 condominiums will likely be occupied by the end of the year. Prices are expected to range from $500,000 to $800,000.

The whole project, Eadie said, should be done in about three years.

“We kind of see it as sort of an urban living situation where our buyers are walking over there, eating at the restaurants and shopping,” he said. “It’s pretty convenient for them not to get into the car and fight the weekend traffic.”