Size of Dunes resort remains a concern

Noaki Schwartz

NEWPORT BEACH -- The Planning Commission this week gave a lukewarm review

to the Dunes balloons -- which were supposed to provide a visual

approximation of the proposed resort’s size.

“I wish in my heart they were story poles with balloons on top,” said

commissioner Richard Fuller.

Commissioner Anne Gifford also spoke of her “failed balloon experience,”

because poor weather conditions earlier this week blew the balloons down.

The proposed 68-foot-high hotel, which is undergoing a prolonged review

process because of its massive proportions, continues to be a major

consideration for the commission. If approved, the Dunes would be the

city’s second-largest hotel, in terms of rooms.

The project, which was recently downsized, includes a full-service hotel

with 370 rooms and 75 time-share units. In addition, there will be 46,000

square feet of conference space, swimming pools, a health spa and

restaurants. The revision significantly reduced traffic, a major point of

contention.

Because of the hotel’s height, which made story poles impossible, the

commissioners directed the resort’s proponents to put up the $1,500-a-day

balloons. They put up 23 balloons at various strategic points, indicating

the height of particular floors.

The balloons, which are 4 feet in diameter, were supposed to come down

Thursday, but project manager Tim Quinn decided to leave them up until

Sunday because of the stormy weather that prevented residents and

commissioners from taking a good look.

Some commissioners, however, felt they had seen enough.

“The building is a little more imposing than I thought it would be,” said

Commissioner Tom Ashley.

Now the commission appears to be struggling with the problem that while

the hotel is undeniably large, making it smaller could compromise its

beautiful Italian-style design. Ashley was concerned that if it were

further downsized, the proposed hotel might end up looking like the

“monolith” Ritz Hotel in Dana Point.

FYI

Number of rooms at Newport Beach hotels:

Marriott: 570

Dunes (if built): 470

Sutton Place: 435

Hyatt Newporter: 405

Sheraton: 335

Four Seasons: 285 (approved for another 100)

Marriott Suites: 250