Newport Beach's New Civic Center is an Architectural Gem

In 2013, the City of Newport Beach completed its brand new civic center project, located at 100 Civic Center Drive. Costing over $135 million, this major project included a new City Hall (95,000 sq. ft.), Library Expansion (17,000 sq. ft.), and new parking structure (450 stalls). The project earned national recognition in the 2014 Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel Awards program.


Newport Beach City Hall -- 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach, Ca.

Despite this project's award winning design and benefits for the city, it generated plenty of controversy before shovels even hit the ground. The location was a sharp point of contention within the city because the planned location was originally intended to become a park. Eventually, Newport Beach residents went to the ballot box and voted in favor of building the civic center project at its current location.

Newport Beach City Hall

Now back to the building itself: According to the Newport Beach web page, "The building was designed for form and function.  North facing clerestory windows within wave roof structure channel wind and cool the building.  Large windows fill the building with natural light, but overhangs and shades minimize heat gain and glare."

Drought Resistant Landscaping

One of personal favorite features of this civic center is the use of drought resistant landscaping. It is both appealing to the eye and functional in California. It is set up in a park like fashion so visitors can stroll the walkways and enjoy the scenery. City planners still built an adjacent park with two viewing platforms allowing great views of the area, a dog park, and picnic areas.


Council Chambers

The community room can accommodate 180 people in theater style seating or 150 in banquet seating. This facility may be rented for special events, meetings, parties, or banquets.

Community Room

The expansion of the library included a café, additional adult reading areas, digital media lab, and a children's room.

Library Expansion

Overall, this is likely the finest civic center in Orange County. You can take in the scenery, enjoy the beautiful architecture, and even have a picnic. Most importantly, this civic center is within walking distance of Newport Beach's Fashion Island with plenty of other activities such as shopping, dining, and people watching. Kudos Newport Beach, thanks for this outstanding project!