By Eric Engelbert
A New Kind of Home for Orange County
Orange County is not known for high-rise living. Most people think of detached single-family homes, master-planned communities, and gated neighborhoods when they picture OC real estate. But one development is changing that picture in a dramatic way.
Skyline OC is a pair of 25-story luxury condo towers rising above South Santa Ana near South Coast Plaza. At 25 stories each, they are the tallest residential buildings in Orange County. Together they offer a style of urban luxury living that simply has not existed here before.
The first phase of units sold out. More are on the way. Here is everything you need to know about Skyline OC, including what it is, how it got here, what the homes look like, and what buyers can expect from future releases.
From Apartments to Condos: The Full Story
The towers at 9 and 15 MacArthur Place in Santa Ana have an interesting history. They were originally built in 2008 and were meant to be condominiums from the start. But the timing could not have been worse. The housing market collapsed during the Great Recession and the developer pivoted, turning them into rental apartments known as Essex Skyline OC and MacArthur Place. For more than 15 years, they operated as luxury rentals.
In April 2025, Crescent Heights, a Miami-based developer known for high-end urban residential projects, purchased the property from Essex Property Trust for approximately $240 million. Crescent Heights immediately moved forward with the original plan: converting the two towers into condominiums for sale.
In June 2026, Newmark arranged $210 million in financing secured by the remaining condo inventory, with investment vehicles advised by Centerbridge Partners participating. That level of institutional financing signals strong confidence in the project and the OC luxury market.
The development is now marketed as Skyline OC South Coast Residences, with sales and marketing handled by Polaris Pacific (CA DRE #01499250).
The Towers and the Residences
The two towers hold approximately 349 residences total. Units range from one- and two-bedroom homes to expansive penthouse configurations. The layouts are open and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame sweeping views. On higher floors you can see from the Pacific Ocean all the way to the mountains.
Interior finishes are what you would expect from a luxury high-rise: chef-inspired kitchens, high-end appliances, clean architectural details, and generous closet space. Layouts go up to roughly 2,800 square feet on the larger penthouse levels. Crescent Heights has also made it possible to combine adjacent units or take an entire floor for truly custom configurations.
These are not typical Orange County condos. The building type, the floor heights, the scale of the views, and the level of finish are all things that buyers usually have to go to Los Angeles or San Diego to find.
Pricing and HOA
Pricing at Skyline OC starts at around $600,000 for entry-level one-bedroom homes. Active listings have generally ranged from $850,000 to $1.3 million for larger one- and two-bedroom units. Penthouse configurations can reach $3 million or more depending on the floor, views, and layout.
HOA dues run approximately $1,100 to $1,500 per month, which covers the extensive amenity package and building services. The property has no Mello Roos, which is worth noting for buyers comparing total carrying costs. Given what is included in the HOA, the dues reflect a genuine value for buyers who will use the amenities regularly.
If you are comparing this to a detached home in Newport Beach or Laguna Beach in the same price range, it is a very different lifestyle trade-off. You are giving up a yard and a garage for full-service building living, resort amenities, and views that no ground-level home can match.
The Amenities Package
Skyline OC offers more than 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities spread across the two towers and a shared 2.5-acre lake setting. The list covers nearly every lifestyle category:
- Pool and spa with an 80-foot pool and resort-style towel service
- Fitness center and yoga studio with dedicated group fitness space
- Spa treatment rooms on site
- 24-hour concierge service
- Coworking and lounge areas for residents who work from home
- On-site car wash and EV charging stations
- Pickleball court and golf practice green
- Outdoor BBQ and entertaining areas
- 2.5-acre private lake setting with landscaped grounds
For a buyer who wants to downsize without giving up quality, or who wants lock-and-leave convenience without sacrificing lifestyle, this is a strong package. There is nothing else like it in Orange County.
Location: The South Coast Area of Santa Ana
Skyline OC sits in the southern tip of Santa Ana, just off the intersection of the 405 and 55 freeways. The address is 9 MacArthur Place, Santa Ana, CA 92707. Despite being in Santa Ana city limits, this location is really part of the broader South Coast corridor and is surrounded by major regional destinations.
Within walking distance or a very short drive you have:
- South Coast Plaza, one of the top-grossing shopping centers in the country
- Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Orange County's performing arts hub
- A wide range of restaurants along Bristol Street and in Costa Mesa
John Wayne Airport (SNA) is about 3 miles away, making this location excellent for frequent travelers. The 405 and 55 freeway access puts most of Orange County within a reasonable commute.
One thing buyers should understand clearly: this is not a residential neighborhood in the traditional OC sense. The immediate surroundings include commercial and industrial properties. The appeal here is the towers themselves and their proximity to South Coast Plaza and the arts district, not a walkable suburban streetscape. That trade-off works well for some buyers and not others.
First Phase Sold Out: What Comes Next
Crescent Heights has been releasing homes at Skyline OC in phases. The first phase is sold out. Given that there are nearly 350 total units across two towers, a significant number of residences remain and will be released in future rounds.
The $210 million in financing secured in June 2026 is directly tied to this remaining inventory, which suggests the developer has a clear runway to continue releasing and selling through the project. Future phases are expected to include homes on higher floors, additional two-bedroom configurations, and penthouse opportunities.
If you missed the first phase and are interested in Skyline OC, the time to get on the interest list is now. When a new phase opens, the best units typically move quickly. For more information you can contact the Skyline OC sales team directly at 714-798-7759 or visit liveskylineoc.com.
If you want help understanding how Skyline OC fits into the broader Orange County market, or if you want to compare it to other luxury options in the area, that is something our team can help you with.
Thinking About Buying in Orange County?
Whether you are drawn to Skyline OC or looking at detached homes, townhomes, or other luxury options throughout Orange County, our team can help you navigate the market. We track new developments, compare neighborhoods, and build a strategy that fits your goals and budget.
