Bryon Ward, a developer leading the landside renovation of Dana Point Harbor’s nearly $600 million remodel, enthusiastically walked across the top deck of the new three-level parking structure, pointing out the dramatic view into the harbor and the panorama of the Pacific Ocean beyond.
The top deck of the 332,000-square-foot structure — the first landside construction — required additional engineering and structural reinforcement so it could also be used as a gathering venue for special events.
Ward envisions big-screen TVs set up to show some of the locally held 2028 Olympic competitions and viewing parties for the harbor’s much-loved Christmas boat parade.
“The experience of the (renovated harbor) starts at the parking structure,” he said during a recent tour, pointing out some of its unique amenities, including a massive open-air skylight over the central walkway and ventilation along all sides of the building that lets in ocean breezes.
The 984-space structure, which opens to the public at 7 a.m. Thursday, July 3, sits at the entrance to the harbor along an improved and widened Harbor Way. Surrounded by mature trees, including pines, sycamores and a 60-year-old pink melaleuca transplanted from elsewhere on the harbor property, the building blends into the natural topography.
The structure’s lower level features 93 spaces dedicated to boater parking, providing easy access to the marina. In the same location, boaters can store their gear in lockers and there is a corral for setting up their dock carts and gear. There is also dedicated parking for Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching patrons, and for travelers bound for the Catalina Express.
Smart parking technology and car counters will help drivers find available stalls. From the valet area, a pedestrian walkway leads visitors to the heart of the harbor’s shops and restaurants area, which Ward said will span 120,000 square feet. The area also includes plazas and gathering spaces, seating and public artwork.
The parking structure is the first land-side development for the Dana Point Harbor renovation, which covers the 62-acre marina recreational area. The project is being done by Dana Point Harbor Partners, a team of three Newport Beach developers who in 2018 secured a 66-year lease for the harbor from the OC Board of Supervisors.
The goal for the renovation, which is 100% privately financed, is to make the very popular, now 54-year-old, harbor an even more sought-after destination in Orange County.
While building the parking structure, which broke ground last year, crews completed all of the underground utilities needed for the entire harbor renovation, Ward said, including utilities, water, sewer and electricity. The process took 12 months and included soil stabilization, new drainage, curbs, and gutters.
The threat of sea level rise also had to be factored in, requiring the project’s foundation to be elevated three and a half feet higher, said Ward, president of Burnham Ward Properties.
Underway since 2022, the new 2,245-slip marina is being developed by Bellwether Financial Group in phases. On Tuesday, July 1, the final slips in the West Cove were completed, said Joe Ueberroth, president of Bellwether. The $115 million project, where every dock will be named after a lantern, should be finished by the end of 2027, he said.
Work is still being completed on two phases in the East Cove, located in front of the commercial core area. This week, construction also starts on East Island. The island, which is located on the other side of the bridge, runs from the Aventura Sailing Association to the sheriff’s Harbor Patrol dock.
“We’re extremely pleased with the docks; we get rave reviews from our tenants,” Ueberroth said.
The final phase of the harbor’s upgrade, led by Bob Olson, president of RD Olson Development, includes two hotels. Just last week, Dana Point’s Planning Commission gave unanimous approval for the Dana House and the Surf Lodge, following the California Coastal Commission’s approval last year.
“The staff and Planning Commission were supportive of taking the lodging experience in the harbor to the next level,” Olson said. “The Marina Inn has seen its better days and it’s time to move into what modern lodging is all about.”
“The Dana House focus is really about the history of Dana Point, both the city and the harbor,” he added. “The Surf Lodge, considered a more affordable hotel, will be focused on the surf culture and history of surf culture in Dana Point, both before the harbor was built and today.”
Demolition of the Marina Inn is scheduled for early next year.
“We’d really like to be open for the Olympics,” Olson said. “Dana Point will have worldwide recognition for what we have in Dana Point as a community. It will be exciting.”
In August, construction fences will be installed around the Mariners Village area as work begins on the third phase, which includes the construction of seven new commercial buildings.
The landside is being developed in five phases. The parking structure and entrance road were the first two phases. Phase 3(Mariner’s Village, located between Dana Wharf and Casitas Way) and Phase 5 (expanding the parking lot and removing the buildings presently occupied by The Brig Restaurant and Harbor Pizza) will overlap.
Phase 3 is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Phase 4 (development in Dana Wharf) will get underway toward the end of 2026 and Phase 5 will likely start in mid-2027.
The phasing was planned to minimize disruption, Ward said. Some long-time businesses have closed, others have moved, but some are staying put and picking up vacant spots on Dana Wharf.
Those include Art Sea, Gift Chateau and Vintage Yacht Club. Frisby Cellars stayed on the wharf, but moved into a larger space at the Waterman’s Restaurant. An outdoor patio and lounge area provides a newfound ambiance and the larger area gives Josh Frisby a better view and space. He now offers beers on tap, more food and an opportunity for private tastings and vintage releases.
“We supported the people who wanted to stay,” Ward said, adding that others retired or were lost to attrition.
Among the newcomers are Coco Bloom, a new coffee vendor that has become popular at farmers’ markets, Ward said. It opened on Friday, June 26, in the corner next to Jon’s Fish Market.
Ward said there has been immense interest from businesses wanting to take advantage of the waterfront venue that the new harbor’s commercial core will provide.
“People are recognizing the value of prime waterfront real estate,” he said. “Tenants have been waiting a long time to come into this market. The combination of new architecture and opportunity for waterfront dining is attracting a lot of tenant concepts to our door.”
But, even with the new interest, Ward said his focus remains the “tried and true” success the harbor has already had, which leads him to embrace its existing DNA, including its longtime popularity with harbor walkers, its recreation opportunities on the water and whale watching.
Related links
Here’s what the $450 million renovation of Dana Point Harbor will look like Dana House and Surf Lodge hotels approved for development in Dana Point Harbor renovation Dana Point Harbor’s oldest restaurant Wind & Sea celebrates 45 years and looks to the future New marina slips in Dana Point Harbor lit by colorful lantern display In its 46th year, Dana Point Harbor’s Coffee Importers makes a move — a short one“There’s a new synergy, everybody’s happy,” said Donna Kalez, who operates Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. “It’s like we got a refresh. I give kudos to Bryon for recognizing that these places need to be full and for making the commercial core come alive again.”
Kalez and Bob Mardian, who opened Wind & Sea in 1972, just after Don Hansen, Kalez’s late father, established the whale watching charter business, cheered the opening of the new parking facility.
“I think it’s fantastic,” Mardian said. “It will be a great problem-solver.”
In addition to opening up more space, Mardian said, the new structure also means that the businesses still operating in the harbor will get some reprieve. Because the main entrance at Harbor Way has been shut down, the completion of the project means cars can pass through again.
“It’s been so hard for people to get to Wind & Sea, now it will dump people into our parking lot,” he said.
Mardian, who is closing his other longtime harbor restaurant, Harpoon Henry’s, on Aug. 10, also commended Ward for the design of the parking structure.
“It’s easy on the eye,” he said. “Big credit to the landlord for sparing no expense and getting all those mature trees. It looks like it’s been there a while.”
Related Articles
San Clemente’s Houshmand earns big surf contest win in Brazil Just a scratch? At San Onofre, marred nuke cannister raises questions of trust HBPD launches behind-the-handlebar training for young e-bike riders Grant funding helps group offer more accessibility to the beach The Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson remembered in Surf City Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Parking structure opens as first landside project in $600 million Dana Point Harbor renovation )
Also on site :
- UK accused of hypocrisy at landmark UN foreign aid conference
- Audrey and Maggie McGraw Team Up for ‘Absolutely Incredible’ Classic Rock Cover
- My Chemical Romance guitarist Ray Toro lists Sherman Oaks home for $2.8M