Costa Mesa Planning Commission Approves Hive Live Development

News Summary

The Costa Mesa Planning Commission has approved the Hive Live mixed-use development on the site of the former Los Angeles Chargers training facility. The plan includes 1,050 housing units, retail space, and extensive open areas, set to be developed in three phases by Legacy Partners Inc. This project aims to address the housing demand in Costa Mesa while also incorporating amenities for community engagement. The proposal will now move forward for review by the Costa Mesa City Council.

Costa Mesa – The Costa Mesa Planning Commission has approved a proposal for a significant mixed-use development called Hive Live at the site of the former Los Angeles Chargers training facility located at 3333 Susan St. This development will include a total of 1,050 housing units, with the project now set to advance to the Costa Mesa City Council for further review.

The Hive Live development is slated to be undertaken by Legacy Partners Inc., a multifamily development company from the San Francisco Bay Area, and will be constructed in three separate phases, with each phase designed to operate independently. In addition to the residential units, the proposal includes 3,692 square feet designated for retail space and 335,958 square feet of open space.

As part of the overall project, the existing Hive Creative Office Campus buildings will be demolished. This site previously featured a football field where the Chargers held their practices before relocating to El Segundo in 2023. The new development aims to create a mixed-use environment that fosters a walkable and bike-friendly atmosphere, benefiting nearby local retail and dining establishments such as The Lab/Camp, SOCO, and South Coast Plaza.

Project Phases and Features

Phase 1 will involve the construction of 315 housing units, along with 523 parking stalls and 27 bicycle spaces, located at the intersection of South Coast Drive and Susan Street. The second phase proposes 346 units and includes 574 parking stalls, as well as 29 bicycle spaces, along Susan Street between South Coast Drive and Sunflower Avenue. The third and final phase plans for up to 389 units, providing 644 parking stalls and 33 bicycle spaces.

Each phase of the development will feature its own unique architecture and amenities designed to enhance the community experience. Planned amenities encompass exercise stations, seating areas, pools, a dog park, art exhibitions, a rooftop deck, and a coworking space.

Community Impact and Housing Needs

A key element of the Hive Live proposal focuses on addressing the significant housing demands in Costa Mesa. With approximately 57% of Costa Mesa residents identified as renters, this project aims to meet housing needs while adhering to state housing allocation requirements. The city’s housing element for 2021-2029 mandates the addition of 11,760 new residential units by 2030.

The development also includes provisions for affordable housing, as at least 105 of the proposed housing units are designated as low-income units. In line with state regulations, the project seeks a density bonus permitting 10% of the units to be allocated as affordable for a span of 55 years.

Concerns and Considerations

Local residents have expressed concerns regarding the potential impact of the Hive Live development on the community, particularly regarding its affordability and the overall character of the neighborhood. Meanwhile, proponents of the project emphasize the dire need for more housing within Costa Mesa.

Future Developments

In addition to the residential components, there remains potential for Anduril, a defense contractor, to retain a presence within the project. Anduril has a first right of offer to pursue additional office development at the mixed-use site, despite the planned demolition of the current office buildings.

The entire Hive Live project will occupy 14.25 acres, an area currently zoned for industrial use, with residential buildings proposed to reach a maximum height of 77 feet and 6 inches. The final design and approval of the project will depend on the forthcoming discussions and evaluations by the Costa Mesa City Council.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Costa Mesa Proposes 1,050-Unit Hive Live Residential Development

Additional Resources

• Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa Planners Get the Buzz on Hive Live
• Orange County Register: Costa Mesa Moves Forward with Plans for 1,050 New Apartments
• Orange County Business Journal: Costa Mesa OKs Hive Live with 1,050 Housing Units
• Wikipedia: Costa Mesa, California
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Costa Mesa, California