Balboa Inn

Mathis Winkler NEWPORT BEACH -- Some described it as a cornerstone to Balboa Peninsula's revitalization. Others vehemently opposed expansion plans for the Balboa Inn, saying the enlarged hotel would block views and add to congestion around Main Street. But when the project's fate was addressed at Tuesday's City Council meeting, council members sided with the peninsula's community leaders and unanimously voted to approve the hotel's revamp. Along with a new building for 11 new guest suites, the project also includes a guest spa and about 2,000 square feet for shops.

Noaki Schwartz BALBOA PENINSULA -- A request to expand the Balboa Inn has city planning commissioners using caution. While the plan might threaten views for some neighboring residents, it also hints at just the type of revitalization business owners have been hoping for. "Certainly any investment in the area is a good indication," said commissioner Larry Tucker. "It's just whether or not that investment is going to fly with the locals. We're going to see."

Alicia Robinson The Balboa Inn, a landmark hotel built in 1929, began a major renovation this week with a construction crew tearing out an adjacent bike-rental shop and filling the empty swimming pool with debris. The renovation will add more suites with an ocean view, a parking area and some retail space to the hotel. It has been in the works for about five years and is expected to cost about $1.5 million, Balboa Inn owner Michel Pourmussa said. Construction should wrap up in June.

Paul Clinton NEWPORT BEACH -- The California Coastal Commission approved the renovation of the Balboa Inn on Tuesday, ignoring a staff recommendation to reject the face lift and expansion. The commission unanimously approved the plan at its daylong meeting in Los Angeles. Commissioners brushed aside concerns in a commission staff report that the project would unduly obstruct scenic views of Newport Harbor. Instead, they praised the long-awaited expansion as the jewel in Balboa Village's tarnished crown.

plans Mathis Winkler NEWPORT BEACH -- Planning commissioners narrowly approved an expansion plan for the Balboa Inn at their meeting Thursday. But the split decision -- with Commissioners Earl McDaniel, Steven Kiser and Shant Agajanian voting to deny the project -- included a provision that requires the hotel's owners to pay about $50,000 in back hotel taxes and penalties before they can receive building permits from the city. "This sends a message," said Commissioner Michael Kranzley, who voted for the expansion along with the commission Chairman Edward Selich and Commissioners Anne Gifford and Larry Tucker.

Paul Clinton NEWPORT BEACH -- City leaders, viewing a planned expansion of the Balboa Inn as the centerpiece in the revitalization of the village, are confident about the project's chances when it goes to the California Coastal Commission on Tuesday. The $1.5-million project, approved by the City Council almost exactly a year ago, would go hand-in-hand with the city's $8.8-million revamp of the area's streets and parking, and the $4-million restoration of Balboa Theater.

BUSINESS Balboa Inn begins major renovations Renovations began last week at the Balboa Inn, a landmark hotel built in 1929 that will get a $1.5 million face lift. The revamped hotel will include 11 new ocean view suites, a parking area, a pool to replace the existing one, and a retail space that could become a coffee shop. The work is expected to wrap up in June. The United States Postal Service on Wednesday released a 37-cent commemorative stamp of legendary actor and former Bayshore resident John Wayne.

The Great Wall proposal Homeowner Peter D. Brandow wants to build a 15-foot rear yard wall with a 3-foot guardrail on top. Brandow hopes the wall will reclaim part of his eroded yard and stabilize an unsafe slope. What to expect: The problem is that the wall would exceed the city's 6-foot height limit. As a result, the Planning Commission must rule on a proposal that is more than double the height limit. Expanding the Balboa Inn Balboa Inn owner Michel Pourmussa wants to expand the business.

Balboa Inn seeks expansion Balboa Inn manager Michel Pourmussa is asking the Planning Commission for permits to expand. He is proposing to construct two- and three-story buildings for 11 new guest rooms, 2,060 square feet of retail space and a partially open parking garage. What to expect: The proposal exceeds the basic allowable floor area, and building height (by five feet). In addition, the existing retail building and pool area south of Ocean Front would have to be demolished.

WHAT HAPPENED: The Newport Beach Planning Commission unanimously voted to deny the Balboa Inn proposal without prejudice. The inn's management proposed building a two- and three-story addition for 11 new guest rooms and a partially open parking garage. Some nearby residents complained that the building would block ocean views. WHAT IT MEANS: Denying the proposal without prejudice means that commissioners have returned the project for more work. Balboa Inn managers can iron out any problems and submit the proposal again.

It's official, museum director says. Peninsula site changes hands, but much will remain.The Newport Harbor Nautical Museum is the new owner of the Balboa Fun Zone, museum executive director David Muller said. Muller said he learned the buy had been officially recorded at 5:45 p.m. Thursday. "One major thing is off our plate, and a remarkable number of small things are on our plate," Muller said. The conclusion of the deal to buy Balboa Fun Zone from Balboa Fun Zone Rides Inc. clears the way for nautical museum operators to plan both the eventual move and long-term future for the museum.

A handful of restaurants are scheduled to make their first appearances at the Taste of Newport food festival this year. 2005 will mark the 17th year the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce has hosted the three-day gastronomical event. The festival serves to draw attention to Newport's restaurants, and revenues are donated to nonprofits. This year, Newport Beach's Siena Cucina Italiana, Rudy's Pub & Grill and Ozumo are set to make their debuts at the festival, said Karin Graves, the chamber of commerce's special events director.

Resort will suck up local control, clientele As the former owner and operator of four hotels within a one-mile radius of the Marinapark proposed hotel site, it is my duty to inform all good citizens of Newport Beach to vote solidly and united against the proposal as it is put forth in Measure L. This measure takes away the control that the residents currently have and gives it to others who cannot assure the success of...

NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION THEATER EXPANSION The commission unanimously approved a request by Mary Lonich, executive director of the Balboa Performing Arts Theater Foundation, to increase the height of the existing theater, at 707 E. Balboa Blvd., to a maximum height of 55 feet. Commissioner Barry Eaton was absent and Leslie Daigle's seat has been vacated since she was appointed to the City Council on Tuesday to fill Gary Adam's seat. The theater is a designated landmark.

BUSINESS Balboa Inn begins major renovations Renovations began last week at the Balboa Inn, a landmark hotel built in 1929 that will get a $1.5 million face lift. The revamped hotel will include 11 new ocean view suites, a parking area, a pool to replace the existing one, and a retail space that could become a coffee shop. The work is expected to wrap up in June. The United States Postal Service on Wednesday released a 37-cent commemorative stamp of legendary actor and former Bayshore resident John Wayne.

Alicia Robinson The Balboa Inn, a landmark hotel built in 1929, began a major renovation this week with a construction crew tearing out an adjacent bike-rental shop and filling the empty swimming pool with debris. The renovation will add more suites with an ocean view, a parking area and some retail space to the hotel. It has been in the works for about five years and is expected to cost about $1.5 million, Balboa Inn owner Michel Pourmussa said. Construction should wrap up in June.

Alicia Robinson A bevy of movies, commercials and TV shows, including hit show "The O.C.," are finding this city by the sea an ideal place to shoot. Newport's booming film business has produced a windfall for local business, with hotels and stores among the beneficiaries. "We are the No. 1 city in Orange County to film in, that's easy," said Joseph Cleary, a consultant who is essentially the city's film guru. "We do more filming in a month than the rest of the county does in a year."

Nearing 100 years old, the Balboa Pavilion is not showing its age in the least. And its latest youthful incarnation appears ready to mature nicely. Last week's opening of the Harborside Restaurant and Grand Ballroom should be a welcome addition to the peninsula lifestyle, offering a high-end place to dine with a picture-pretty view of the harbor, Balboa Island and even Newport Coast rising in the distance. Owners David and Doug Salisbury, who are also behind the Newport Landing at the other end of the Fun Zone, have outfitted the interior nicely enough that it competes, almost, with the waterfront view.

June Casagrande On the one hand, the city has completed more than $6 million of improvements here. On the other hand, some of the most visitor-pleasing improvements are still to come. The economy is getting better, but the weather's been ugly. At first glance, one might guess that all the factors that affect business in this quaint village would cancel each other out. But a closer look reveals that the scales are tipped strongly toward a retail upswing.

Gay Wassall-Kelly It's the late 1960s, the "undisciplined age." Parents were sparing the rod, "good grief" miniskirts were the fad and Charles Manson was facing the death penalty. Some felt it was time to get the kids out of "this substandard life" and prepare them for a better world. What could be more perfect for your child than Copre College Preparatory School, situated on the ocean front on the spectacular Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach? Here stands this elaborate 1930s California Spanish Colonial revival building that was the former Balboa Inn. The new school, a unique college prep environment for the student with above-average potential, accepted girls and boys from the sixth through the 12th grade.