From Vision to Village in Orange County | April 2026
Demographic shifts, housing demand, and long-range planning efforts are converging to reshape how and where people want to live, work, and invest. Our work is grounded in our conviction around infill locations, thoughtful mixed-use environments, and projects that are intended to support long-term value for communities. Few areas illustrate this movement more clearly today than the airport submarket in Newport Beach.
The Airport Area Steps into the Spotlight
The airport submarket in Orange County has moved decisively from transitional to transformational. The district surrounding John Wayne Airport (JWA) is primarily characterized by office and light industrial uses, being identified as one of the top commercial real estate submarkets to watch in 2026, with its density, accessibility, and expanding amenity base.[1] Concurrently, the district is also widely viewed as Orange County’s closest equivalent to an urban core. Recent coverage by the Orange County Register highlighted Newport Beach’s initiative to study the creation of a residential village near JWA, reflecting the city’s broader vision for cohesive neighborhoods that integrate housing, services, and public spaces.[2]
I recently spoke on a panel at Bisnow’s Orange County State of the Market Conference, where we discussed the shift that is already well underway. With limited land supply, strong connectivity, and proximity to major employment centers, the airport area has attracted increased attention for residential and mixed-use development. Planning constraints have encouraged higher-quality development, while ongoing demand trends may support the area’s continued relevance, although future demand and market conditions may change.
A Long View Becomes Reality at Uptown Newport Village
The firm’s approach has always centered on identifying underappreciated locations and pursuing them with discipline and patience. Uptown Newport Village exemplifies that strategy. Over a decade ago, we recognized the Newport Beach side of the airport area as an infill opportunity capable of supporting a true residential village, one that felt intentional, walkable, and connected.
In 2010, we acquired 25 acres in Newport Beach, with close access to shopping, employment centers, John Wayne Airport, and the 405 and 73 freeways. We set out to repurpose the land for a mixed-use residential village, rather than maintain its prior use of office and industrial. In 2013, we completed the entitlement process, receiving unanimous approvals from both the Planning Commission and City Council. The entitlements allow the master development to include 1,244 residential units, 11,500 square feet of commercial/retail space, and two 1-acre parks.
That vision first materialized with Phase 1. One Uptown Newport, a 458-unit luxury apartment community developed and managed through a joint venture with the Picerne Group, was completed in December 2019. In the same year, we completed the beautifully designed, 1-acre Uptown Newport Park. The firm also developed Parkhouse Residences, a boutique collection of 30 luxury condominiums spread across five buildings, with each building containing six units – this project only has one remaining unit left for sale to date.
As noted by the Orange County Business Journal in its recent coverage of the airport area’s evolution, early residential developments, such as those in Uptown Newport Village, demonstrate that high-quality housing could potentially succeed in this location and have helped pave the way for additional projects.[3] Today, Uptown Newport Village continues to progress with additional residential phases, retail components, and community amenities planned as we advance the long-term vision of a complete and dynamic neighborhood.
Looking Forward
The continued evolution of the airport submarket is a compelling example of what can be achieved through collaboration and thoughtful planning. We are encouraged by the alignment we see today among market fundamentals, municipal leadership, and community priorities. We remain committed to investing in places where intentional development can enhance the way people live and work while creating lasting value.
Disclosures
[1] Economos DeWolf. “The Top 5 CRE Submarkets to Watch in 2026.” Economos DeWolf, 20 Feb. 2026, www.economosdewolf.com/the-top-5-cre-submarkets-to-watch-in-2026/. [2] Reston, Allegra. “Newport Beach to Study How to Create a Village of Housing Near JWA.” Orange County Register, 26 Feb. 2026, www.ocregister.com/2026/02/26/newport-beach-to-study-how-to-create-a-village-of-housing-near-jwa/. [3] Pimentel, Joseph. “Newport Beach’s Airport Area Becomes New Uptown.” Orange County Business Journal, 23 Mar. 2026, www.ocbj.com/oc-homepage/newport-beachs-airport-area-becomes-new-uptown/.
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