Planning commissioners approve conversion of Newport Irvine Center to medical offices with new parking structure

The Newport Beach City Planning Commission on Jan. 23 approved a proposal to convert the existing three‑story Newport Irvine Center at 3300 Irvine Avenue into medical office space, add a three‑story parking structure with a solar canopy and carry out exterior and landscape improvements.

The project, described to commissioners by assistant planner Daniel Copshever, would convert the building to allow “100% medical tenants,” add a 202‑space, three‑story parking garage, create a new atrium and raise parapets on the existing building to 41 feet, 6 inches, with an atrium element at 45 feet. Staff told the commission the project would require a major site development review for the height increase, a staff approval to waive a portion of the parking requirement and a traffic…