Construction starts at Dana Point Harbor

USA: Construction of the new marina at Dana Point Harbor in Dana Point, California has begun. Over the next five years, it will be rebuilt by Bellingham Marine in 15 phases with an extra two phases in the outer basin.

Although revitalising the marina has been under consideration for over two decades, turning the dream into reality has been down to Supervisor Lisa Bartlett and her vision and commitment to a Private Public Partnership over her eight-year term.
As the first pile was pulled at C Dock on 4th August to mark the start of the construction, Bartlett said: “Our beloved harbour has served our community well for over 50 years. As we embark on the harbour revitalisation, I am excited for all the improvements that are coming that will enhance the experience for all the citizens of greater Orange County as well as for visitors to our harbour from near and far.”
“As a partnership, we have been committed to having Dana Point Harbor set a new standard for marinas on the West Coast,” said Bryon Ward, president of Burnham Ward Properties and partner in Dana Point Harbor Partners (DPHP). “We immediately embraced Bellingham Marine’s concept of a non-ferrous dock system not only to enhance longevity but to also reduce the number of pilings in the harbour. This method aligns with the partnership’s goal to create a more environmentally conscious harbour as it also eliminates the need for treated lumber.”
“The new dock system will be enhanced in almost every aspect,” added Joe Ueberroth, founder of Bellwether Financial Group (partner in DPHP) and owner of Bellingham Marine. “The new design addresses both ADA accessibility and public access, the guest services will set a new standard for the West Coast, and the electrical and pump-out systems will meet the needs of boaters for generations to come.”
Bellingham held a pre-construction meeting with County and City officials and staff describing phasing plans, building Best Management Practices (BMPs), and construction logistics. “The Bellingham team will be a fixture in the harbour for the next five years,” explained Eric Noegel, general manager of Bellingham’s southwest division. “Working for a client that is truly dedicated to the development of a marina that protects the environment while having the longevity to serve the community through its entire leasehold has been inspirational to our R&D, manufacturing and installation teams,” he added.
DPHP has spent millions of dollars and countless hours behind the scenes over the last four years to get to the point where construction is visible in the harbour. “It is difficult for most people to imagine the heavy lifting that takes place during the years prior to commencing construction. We now enter a fun period where the installation teams go to work and the community can witness the transformation of the marina in its 15 phases while we continue to operate as the largest marina on the West Coast,” Ueberroth noted.
The Partners
DPHP comprises three property development firms who are working in partnership with Orange County.
Burnham Ward Properties is responsible for stewarding the harbour’s commercial core activities, e.g. retail, restaurants, office and parkscapes; Bellwether Financial guides the marina operations including the boat slips, boater facilities, dry boat storage, day-boat mooring, guest slips and launch ramp areas; and R D Olson Development leads the hotel redevelopment.
The partnership has developed a master plan that connects the harbour’s landside and waterside to become a cohesive waterfront experience.