BREAKING NEWS:

Newport Beach city officials broke ground today on what is believed to be the largest public arts project in the city’s 102-year history.

The McFadden Square Centennial Legacy Project at the base of Newport Pier will include granite benches surrounding a bronze sculpture and a circular walking path marked with significant events from throughout the city’s history.

“This area represents the growth of Newport Beach — this is the sport where Newport Beach originated,” said Mayor Ed Selich, before the groundbreaking ceremony. “It’s a symbol of the growth of our city.”

The spot was chosen because it marks the spot where the McFadden brothers began shipping from Newport Beach and developed McFadden’s Wharf over a century ago. The project has been in the works since 2006, when it was conceived to mark the city’s centennial anniversary that year.

John McFadden, a descendant of James and Robert McFadden, who attended the ceremony, said he grew up hearing stories about his family’s role in the development of Newport Beach.

“It’s wonderful to be here today and see all the work that has gone into this, and I’m honored to play a part in the history,” McFadden said.

In 1875, James and Robert McFadden purchased the area, known then as Newport Landing, which they used to support their commercial shipping business.

Clipper ships used to drop loads of lumber into the breaking waves more than 100 years ago, not far from where the new monument will stand, John McFadden said.

“It was quite treacherous, and they would literally lose people in the surf,” he said.

The brothers eventually built McFadden Wharf where Newport Pier sits today.

Organizers have raised about $425,000 from more than 460 donors for the monument — and hope to raise about $75,000 more to complete the project.

The square is slated for completion in late spring or early summer.

BRIANNA BAILEY may be reached at (714) 966-4625 or at brianna.bailey@latimes.com.