Newport Beach opens $130-million civic center

Newport Beach opened its new $130-million civic center Saturday with a celebration that drew hundreds of residents and a few protesters.

As the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band played “Stars and Stripes Forever” before Saturday’s ceremony, many families checked out City Hall’s new home, some venturing out to the circle of bunny statues on the campus periphery and others peering over the viewing platform at the end of the San Miguel bridge on the breezy morning.

Speakers called the new campus a “civic vision” that is “more than a city hall.”

“Long after the price is forgotten, the quality remains,” said Councilman Ed Selich.

Mayor Keith Curry called the grand opening gratifying and said he was happy to see so many residents enjoying the grounds.

“It validates [that] this is really going to be a real civic center,” Curry said.

The new facility includes an expanded library, 1.23 miles of walking trails that wind through wetlands and a dog park, which several attendees took advantage of by bringing their pets.

Steven Chaitow, the project manager and principal at architecture firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, said every feature of the new building was intentional and multifunctional, such as the glass sides and roof that maximize natural light. The roof also has windows that open automatically.

Chaitow added that although most civic centers can have an unfriendly atmosphere, the Newport facility is aimed at welcoming residents.

Going to City Hall is often “something you have to go through,” he said. “Newport Beach has made this a place you want to go to.”

Tami and Rod Turner brought their daughters Natalie, 5, and Ashley, 7, to the event. Both girls were wearing blue-and-white striped shirts with glittery red anchors that matched the civic center’s nautical theme.

“We figure these guys are the ones that are going to be growing up here,” Rod Turner said. The family was particularly excited about one addition.

“They love the library,” Tami Turner said.

But some at Saturday’s opening weren’t happy about the new facility or its price tag. About six demonstrators stood on Avocado Avenue holding signs reading “Stop the Dock Ta,” and protesting the roughly $130 million spent on the new campus.

Protester Tom Regan said a city of 90,000 people doesn’t need a building of such grandeur.

“How can you spend that much money?” Regan asked.

ALSO:

Some Springs fire crews being sent home

One killed, another injured as car hits power pole in Lancaster

Shooting in Compton leaves one man dead, another wounded