NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.
R.D. Olson Development broke ground on its latest hotel development, the 130-room Lido House. The boutique hotel will be located on the former Newport Beach City Hall site.
The four-story property, set among the city’s marina, beach and retail mix at the entrance to Lido Isle and the Balboa Peninsula, has been billed by both city officials and residents as a key element in the years-long effort to redevelop the Peninsula, an oceanfront destination since the early 1900s.
The hotel’s owner and developer has an 85-year lease with the city of Newport Beach to develop and operate the property, which is situated next to Lido Marina Village, the pedestrian friendly retail and dining complex currently undergoing a comprehensive renovation.
The City Council approved the hotel in 2014 and the California Coastal Commission gave the green light last year. Executives from R.D. Olson Development, R.D. Olson Construction and Irvine-based architectural firm of WATG joined Newport Beach civic leaders including Mayor Diane Dixon at the ceremonial groundbreaking.
“This hotel is a key milestone for the redevelopment of Lido Village and a great benefit to the economic vitality of the Peninsula and Newport Beach,” said Bob Olson, founder and CEO of R.D. Olson Development. “With its accessible location, beautifully planned architecture and many amenities it will fill an important void here and is poised to be a vibrant destination for locals and tourists alike—a true community hub.”
As is customary for all R.D. Olson Development hotels, Lido House design will pay tribute to the local area and feature a crisp Newport Beach flair that merges with classic Cape Cod-style architecture to capture the spirit of the surrounding coastal community. The hotel will pay homage to the historic Balboa Pavilion, a 1906 landmark and one of the last remaining waterfront pavilions in California.
When complete in summer of 2017, Lido House will feature 130 guest rooms, including two signature circular suites and a presidential suite as well as five residential-style, three-story cottages.
The hotel will feature a 4,000 square feet of meeting and event space to include a ballroom, refunction space and an executive boardroom, A central courtyard and pool area, lawn area with communal fire pits, croquet and lawn bowling areas, a three-meal restaurant, The Mayor’s Table, honoring the hotel’s City Hall history.
