Posted July 8, 2026 | Updated October 21, 2026 | By Eric Engelbert

October 2026 Update

Topic Latest
Zoning Rezoned for housing; City Council adopted the PC-56 amendments and development agreement in spring 2025
Car wash parcel Irvine Company bought the neighboring 1.26-acre car wash site for $32.5 million in June 2026 to fold into Block 100
Permits No building permits or construction start announced
Measure H Approved zoning is expected to stand either way

Correction: an earlier version gave the Planning Commission vote as March 21, 2025. The vote was March 6, 2025; it was reported later that month.

The Irvine Company plans to tear down about 141,000 sq ft of aging low-rise offices at 100 to 190 Newport Center Drive and build up to 600 luxury apartments, a short walk from Fashion Island and City Hall. It is the largest single residential project the company has planned inside Newport Center, on some of the most valuable land in Orange County. See all new construction in Newport Beach.

Project Snapshot

Detail Block 100
Address 100 to 190 Newport Center Drive, bounded by Newport Center, Anacapa, and Civic Center drives
Homes Up to 600 apartments
Format Five-story podium buildings over two levels of underground parking
Office removed About 141,000 sq ft
Height allowed Up to 125 feet, leaving room for a taller design later
Architect MVE + Partners
Unit mix and amenities Not released
Construction Not yet announced
Want leasing news for Block 100 as soon as it is announced?
Email Eric to join the Block 100 Newport Center update list or call/text 949-430-7500

What Is There Today

Block 100 is a cluster of one- to three-story offices from the 1970s and 1980s. The best known is 100 Newport Center Drive, the former Newport Sports Museum. The Irvine Company bought it from Iridium Property Investments for about $36.5 million, roughly $2,100 per square foot, reported as a record for an Orange County office building over 15,000 sq ft. The price was for the land, not the building. Other Block 100 parcels have been Irvine Company land since Newport Center was laid out. In June 2026 the company added the former Newport Beach Car Wash next door.

The Zoning Change That Unlocked Block 100

Irvine Company development agreement term Detail
Homes allocated to Newport Center (PC-56) 1,500
Affordable commitment At least 105 very low or low income homes in Newport Center by 2029
Planning Commission Recommended 5-0 on March 6, 2025
City Council Adopted Ordinances 2025-7 and 2025-8 in spring 2025
Block 100 height limit Up to 125 feet for residential buildings

Unlike the Villas Fashion Island Phase 2 garage conversion, which was approved by staff, Block 100 needed a true rezoning from office to residential, the first time this block has been zoned for homes.

Why Office to Housing Makes Sense Here

Newport Center offices have faced vacancy since remote and hybrid work took hold, and these buildings are near the end of their useful life. The city needs housing in places with existing roads and utilities, and Newport Center's overlay allows up to 2,439 homes. The Irvine Company swaps lower-yield offices for luxury rentals it will hold long term.

What Will Block 100 Rent For?

No pricing has been released. Villas Fashion Island, the closest comparison, starts around $5,195 a month for current listings, with larger homes at $8,000 to $9,000.

Unit type Our estimate when leasing opens
One-bedroom $4,800 to $6,200 a month
Two-bedroom $7,000 to $9,500 a month
Annual rent roll, 600 homes About $45 million to $60 million

Leasing is unlikely before 2028 or 2029. Browse current Newport Beach rentals.

The Irvine Company's Newport Beach Pipeline

Irvine Company project Homes Status
Villas Fashion Island Phase 2, 800 San Clemente Dr 184 apartments Under construction; early 2028
Block 100, 100 to 190 Newport Center Dr Up to 600 apartments Approved 2025; not yet permitted
Remaining Newport Center allocation About 716 Future sites
MacArthur Court (Airport Area) 700 apartments Approved November 2025

What Measure H Means Here

Newport Beach voters decide Measure H on November 3, 2026. It would cut the city's housing capacity from 8,174 homes to 2,900, all for lower and moderate income households. The state housing department (HCD) has said projects that filed applications before a measure like this passes generally keep the rules in place when they filed, so approved projects are expected to proceed either way. Future projects face more uncertainty. See our Newport Beach Housing Element post for the full breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is being built at Block 100?

Up to 600 Irvine Company apartments in five-story podium buildings at 100 to 190 Newport Center Drive, replacing about 141,000 sq ft of old offices.

Is Block 100 approved?

Yes, at the zoning level. The City Council adopted the PC-56 amendments and development agreement in spring 2025. No building permits have been issued.

When will Block 100 open?

No date has been announced. Construction in 2027 at the earliest would point to completion around 2029 or 2030.

Who is the architect?

MVE + Partners, which also designed the Ritz-Carlton Residences at 900 Newport Center Drive.

Will Block 100 include affordable apartments?

None have been announced for Block 100 specifically. The Irvine Company's development agreement requires at least 105 affordable homes across Newport Center by 2029.

Get Block 100 Leasing Updates

I will share construction and leasing news for Block 100 and the rest of Newport Center as soon as it is public.

Email "Block 100 Newport Center" to join the update list

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