Hotel Proposed for Old City Hall Site

The former City Council chambers was buzzing with residents Tuesday afternoon as council members and developers discussed future plans for the old City Hall site, according to a report in the Orange County Register.

The City Council listened to three proposals packed with plans to revamp the vacant City Hall site at 3300 Newport Blvd during Tuesday's study session. The Irvine-based Shopoff Group proposed a mixed-use commercial and residential project that would bring 99 luxury apartments to the area, staff reports show. According to the group's proposal, the units would include a mix of flats and townhouses with large decks and windows in order to promote "outdoor connections to the indoor space." The project would also include 15,000 square-feet of upscale retail space.

The other two proposals focused on the potential construction of a boutique hotel at the former City Hall location.

R.D. Olson Development presented the council with a proposal to build the Lido House Hotel. The developer's plan includes 130 boutique hotel rooms, a rooftop lounge, spa and an upscale restaurant, plans show. The Auberge Resorts Newport Beach, a luxury hotel with 12 villas, guest rooms, 20 townhome villas with rooftop decks and more, was proposed by Sonnenblick Development. According to its proposal, the Auberge would "exude the Newport Beach lifestyle."

Several residents voiced their opinions at the meeting, most in favor of the construction of a hotel at the old City Hall. Hugh Helm, spokesman for the Lido Isle Community Association board, also addressed the council and said an informal poll conducted by the group resulted in 98 percent of Lido Isle residents supporting a hotel and 1 percent wanting the residential use, the newspaper reported.

"We've seen overwhelming support for a hotel," Helm said at the meeting. "Your decision will affect us for years to come."

The Newport Beach City Council is expected to vote on the proposals at a future council meeting.

Read the full story on the Orange County Register.

What do you think should be built at the old City Hall site, luxury apartments or a boutique hotel? Tell us in the comments.