Biz News: Bank of America leases space in Newport Center building
Bank of America has leased 88,000 square feet of a 21-story building at 520 Newport Center Drive across from Fashion Island in Newport Beach, Irvine Co. Office Properties announced this week.
Bank of America’s five leased floors will be occupied by its Merrill Lynch, private banking and investments and commercial banking offices, according to a news release.
“The Bank of America commitment at … Newport Center Drive validates Newport Center as the premier financial services location in Southern California,” Steve Case, executive vice president of Irvine Co. Office Properties, said in a statement.
Nearly half of Newport Center’s 2.5 million square feet of office space is leased to companies providing financial services, including Janus Capital Group, Wells Fargo Advisors, Pimco, Allianz, Pacific Life, Oppenheimer, J.P. Morgan, BNY Mellon and City National Bank.
In 2016, the Irvine Co. expects to open Kinetic at 600 Newport Center Drive, a concept blending outdoor and indoor fitness, wellness services and access to St. Joseph Hoag Health nurses, the news release states.
*
Costa Mesa hosts trade conference on Pacific Rim exports
A trade conference in Costa Mesa on Thursday and Friday is expected to bring together more than 300 executives from companies around the state to discuss developing overseas markets for their products, particularly in the Pacific Rim. “Discover Global Markets: Pacific Rim Consumers” is organized by the U.S. Commercial Service, an arm of the Commerce Department.
Experts representing 21 countries will tutor potential exporters about the markets in Australia, China, Thailand and Vietnam through panels and one-on-one meetings during the sold-out event at the Hilton hotel. Executives from Southern California-based companies such as Walt Disney, Taco Bell and Sketchers also will share strategies.
*
Boot company to open pop-up shop in Costa Mesa
Emu Australia, best known for its sheepskin boots, will debut a 300-square-foot pop-up shop Sunday at the OC Mix shopping center in Costa Mesa.
The store, which is scheduled to be open through January, will feature women’s and children’s collections, including spring styles featuring dress and casual sandals and canvas casuals.
OC Mix is at 3313 Hyland Ave.
*
Olive Garden Spirit Night to support local high schools
Olive Garden restaurants across the country will host Spirit Night from 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday to support high schools in their areas.
In partnership with the National Federation of State High School Associations, each Olive Garden has selected a local high school to give a donation. California has 71 Olive Garden restaurants, which could mean up to $71,000 in donations to schools.
Restaurant guests are encouraged to wear their school colors during the event.
*
American Tea Room expanding to Newport
American Tea Room’s third location is expected to open at Newport Beach’s Fashion Island late this fall. The tea retailer and cafe, which opened its first location in Beverly Hills in 2003, features more than 200 teas from around the world.
The Fashion Island shop, on the northeast corner of the mall across from Canaletto Ristorante Veneto, will feature a curated selection of specialty tea drinks and exotic teas alongside custom teaware and elegant gifts.
The shop also will include an interactive Tea Zone where guests can use touchscreen technology to learn about particular teas.
*
John Wayne Airport traffic increased in September
Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport increased by 11% in September, compared with the same month in 2014, according to the airport.
The airport served 844,385 passengers last month. So far this year, more than 7.5 million people have flown to or from JWA.
*
Azulón apartment complex wins industry award
Azulón at Mesa Verde, an apartment complex in Costa Mesa for residents 55 and older, recently won a 2015 Project of the Year distinction at the SAGE Awards, or Shaping Advancements in Generational Environments, presented by the 55+ Housing Council of the Building Industry Assn. of Southern California.
The 215-unit complex, which opened in late 2014, was developed by Mesa Verde Partners.
“We’re honored and gratified to receive this accolade after devoting a tremendous amount of effort and resources to creating an environment that elevates the quality of living for adults who want a sophisticated and dynamic lifestyle,” Anton Segerstrom, a principal at Mesa Verde Partners, said in a statement. “Azulón is purposefully resort-inspired in design but also integrates practical elements such as walkability.”