Architects wants city hall to be creative, but functional

Newport Beach is on the lookout for an architect to design the next city hall.

The city released specifications for a contest Friday to decide who will design the building.

The winning architectural firm or team will get to design a new city hall next to the central public library on Avocado Avenue, an adjoining park and a parking facility that the city hall and library will share.

A committee of architects will evaluate submissions and make recommendations to the Newport Beach Council, first on firms selected to participate in the design competition and then on the actual designs.

Although the council will have the final say on the winning design, the public will get a chance to speak out on the plans during council meetings.

The architects are looking for “a plan and design that is creative, timeless, yet fully functional for parkgoers, library users and for the residents and staff who will use a working, active municipal building,” according to parameters for the design contest.

Applications to participate in the design competition are due May 19.

City officials expect to announce the selected design teams in late June. The teams will have until Sept. 19 to submit their designs.

Visit www.city.newport-beach.ca.us/cmo /CityHall/cityhalldesignparkmaster plan.asp for more information.

— Brianna Bailey