Crystal Cove: Coastal Commission Deciding To Renovate Newport Area Beach Shacks

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Laguna Beach's Crystal Cove State Park is a collection of 46 oceanfront cottages in Orange County, on the way to Newport Beach.

On Wednesday, the California Coastal Commission decides whether or not to approve the $26 million proposal to renovate the last of those cottages.

Commissioners are scheduled to consider a development permit to refurbish the remaining 17 historic cottages that will increase overnight accommodations at the park, which occupies a stretch of scenic coastline between Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, the Los Angeles Times reported.

When finished, the cottages will help relieve the park's heavy demand for affordable rental units and complete the current project to renovate the Crystal Cove Historic District. The commission staff recommends approval of the permit, according to The Times.

"Our organization, California State Parks and the California Coastal Commission have been working together on this project for almost two decades," Laura Davick, vice president of the Crystal Cove Alliance, a nonprofit involved with preservation of the park, told The Times.

In addition to rebuilding the cottages, the proposed work includes grading, a 650-foot beachfront boardwalk, utility lines, landscaping, expanded parking and mitigation for environmental impacts. Officials say the new cottages will create 22 affordable rental units, including a dormitory-style lodge, The Times reported.

AAA describes Crystal Cove State Park as "a most unusual paradise—part coastline with pristine beaches and tide pools, part chaparral canyon with 18 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails."

The Los Trancos Canyon area of the park is a historic district with restored beach cottages available for rent.

Prices will range from $35 a night for a lodge bed to $245 a night for the largest cottages that sleep up to 10 people. The cottage offices are located at #35 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast. All reservations go through ReserveAmerica.org.
Information is available on CrystalCoveBeachCottages.org.

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