Hello Back Bay Bouganvilleas,
Newport wouldn’t be Newport without commercial real estate. It seems there are more office buildings than houses available and the city has taken notice to fulfill it’s housing goals for 2026. We can expect new deals and more businesses moving into the area to accommodate the expanding residential footprint. While this is a good thing for residents and small business owners, we wouldn’t want to be an office space leaseholder in today’s “dynamic” market conditions.
To our new readers—welcome! The Back Bay Buzz delivers just the right amount of news and events for locals in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. No crime, no politics, no spam—just the good stuff. We scan newspapers, blogs, social media, business journals, and Google alerts so you don’t have to.
In today’s Buzz:
New Condos near the airport
Fields of Honor
Newport Beach Wine Festival
— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz
New Condos Approved Near John Wayne Airport
The office building and parking lot on Quail St. set for demolition…
Another day, another commercial real estate transaction. The Newport Beach Planning Commission voted 6-0 to approve The Residences at 1500 Quail Street, a new 100-unit market-rate condominium development. Replacing an existing office building within the Newport Place Planned Community, the 4.77-acre project will feature 24 buildings hosting three- and four-bedroom homes with two-car garages. While public comment raised concerns about the lack of affordable housing inclusion, city staff assured the commission that Newport Beach maintains an adequate site buffer to meet its state-mandated housing goals.
♥ Know someone would appreciate the newsletter?
✨ Share the love, score some merch ✨
2 referrals = VIP Shoutout in the newsletter
5 Referrals = Back Bay Buzz exclusive Mug or Tote
“There’s no crying on the Duffy”
UPCOMING:
Newport Needlepoint Club Meetup - Newport Needlepoint
“2026 is the year for Grandma hobbies”
Tuesdays 6-8pm
InfoTrivia Night - Bootlegger’s Brewery
Tuesdays 7-9pm
DirectionsFree Yoga Class - Seed Peoples Market
Wednesdays @ 10am
InfoField of Honor at Castaways Park Newport Beach
Saturday, 16 May - Monday May 26th
InfoNewport Beach Wine Festival - Balboa Bay Club
Friday May 22-24
InfoRedneck Rodeo - Newport Dunes
Friday May 22
InfoMemorial Day BBQ - Pendry
Monday May 25th
11am-6pm
InfoSpring Warehouse Sales + Makers Mart - Moongoat Coffee x Pixel Perf
Sunday May 31
10-3pm
Info31st Annual Balboa Island Parade - Balboa Island
Sunday May 31st
InfoCompost Giveaway and Shredding Event - OCC
Saturday Jun 13th
8am-12pm
InfoSongs in the Canyon - Canyon Park (Costa Mesa)
June 12-14
Info
Worth the Drive:
WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH OC?
Check out our great partner newsletter:
Things are heating up…
🌊 Water temp = 60º
Suit Rec: Spring suit/Full suit 3/2
THIS WEEK:
Field of Honor at Castaways Park Newport Beach
Saturday, 16 May - Monday May 26th
InfoPicnic on Lions Park Lawn in Costa Mesa
Monday, 18 May
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
InfoTuesday Night Dance at Segerstrom for the Arts
Tuesday, 19 May
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
InfoArt + Play at OCMA Costa Mesa (Registration Required)
Wednesday, 20 May
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
InfoTouch-a-Truck in Irvine
Thursday, 21 May
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
InfoSeaside Kids Concert with Magic Steps Music at Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach
Thursday, 21 May
10:30 am - 11:15 am
InfoWild Tales Storytime, Hike, and Craft in Newport Beach (RSVP!)
Friday, 22 May
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Info
Plan Ahead:
Worth The Drive:
Hula Lessons + Moana Visit - Riverstreet Marketplace (SJC)
Tuesday May 19th
10:30am-11:30am
Info
Critter investigations - Upper Newport Bay
3rd Wednesday of each month
10-11am
InfoStem Workshop - Carters x Kiwi Co. (Tustin Market Place)
Second Saturday of Every Month
10am -12pm
RSVPSensory Play Soft Opening - Kid CanDo Studio (Balboa Funzone)
Saturday May 30th
10:30am-1pm
InfoKid’s Master Gardener Program - CDM Farmer’s Market
Saturday May 30
InfoMovie Mondays: The Parent Trap - Segerstrom Center
Monday July 6th
Info
Farmers Markets 🥬🥕:
Newport Pier Farmer’s Market
Costa Mesa - SOCO (Saturdays 9-2)
Corona Del Mar - PCH & Marguerite (Saturdays 9-1)
Newport Beach - Newport Pier (Sundays 9-1)
Newport Harbor - Dover Dr & 16th St (Saturdays 9am-1pm)
Mesa Verde - 1525 Mesa Verde Dr E, Costa Mesa (Sundays 10-2pm)
🌴 Costa Mesa
Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor is wanted by three different local e-biker gangs.
PS: Feel free to let me know any feedback or inside scoops you have for the newsletter. Just reply to this email, I read every one. Thanks!
SPONSOR THE NEWSLETTER!
Our readers are savvy, engaged, locals.
Email [email protected] to explore our sponsorship options.
