News Summary
The former TBN headquarters in Costa Mesa may be redeveloped into a housing project pending city council approval. The plan includes 122 multifamily units, with some dedicated to low-income housing, aimed at addressing the community’s affordable housing crisis. While some locals express concerns over traffic and parking, others support the project as a solution for first-time homebuyers. The existing buildings will be demolished if approved, with model units expected by 2027.
Costa Mesa – The former headquarters of the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) may soon be redeveloped into a housing project, pending approvals from the Costa Mesa City Council. The council will review a proposal from developer Meritage Homes during its meeting on August 5.
On July 14, the Costa Mesa Planning Commission approved a request to rezone the property from general commercial use to high-density residential. Meritage Homes plans to build a total of 122 multifamily residential units across eight four-story buildings and an additional 20 two-story detached condominiums.
Of the proposed units, at least seven will be designated as very-low-income housing, addressing a critical need for affordable housing options in the region. Unit sizes will vary, with two-bedroom apartments starting at 1,062 square feet and four-bedroom units reaching up to 2,364 square feet.
If the Costa Mesa City Council grants approval, the existing buildings on the 6.12-acre campus, located near South Coast Plaza, will be demolished. The property has seen a number of ownership changes in recent years; TBN purchased it for approximately $6 million in 1996 and operated there for about 20 years before selling it in 2017. Since then, various proposals have been made for its use, including a plan by EF Education First in 2019 to transform it into a language school. In 2021, it was sold for $22 million to real estate mogul Manuchehr “Manny” Khoshbin, who aimed to rebrand the site as a luxury event venue, which is set to close permanently on August 31.
The proposed housing project has drawn mixed responses from local residents. Some expressed concerns over potential traffic congestion, parking shortages, and overall quality of life issues associated with the housing development. Specific worries were raised about possible overflow parking and traffic risks related to a new proposed crosswalk on Bear Street.
Conversely, support for the housing project has emerged from various community members, including David Haithcock, president of the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce. This support highlights the project’s significance for first-time homebuyers, especially families currently renting in the area. Planning Commissioners acknowledged the proposal as a valuable solution to the regional housing crisis, noting the high number of renters in Costa Mesa and the importance of increasing homeownership opportunities.
The development plans include the provision of approximately 2.13 acres of public and private open spaces, equipped with rooftop balconies and private backyards designated for single-family homes. Additionally, as part of the development agreement, the city is set to receive $250,000 allocated for park improvements.
A proposed design for the project includes a second access point from the site to Olympic Avenue, intended for use by pedestrian and emergency vehicles only. The project emphasizes creating affordable low-income homeownership opportunities, which has been a critical focus for city planners and local leaders alike.
Should the Costa Mesa City Council approve the development, model units are expected to be ready by May 2027. This timing aligns with increasing demands for housing in the city, particularly for affordable options aimed at individuals and families striving to settle down in the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Segerstrom Family Embarks on Major Real Estate Ventures
Orange County Real Estate Market Sees Price Fluctuations
Irvine Named Best City for Renters in Southern California
Costa Mesa Planning Commission Approves New Housing Development
Newport Beach Celebrates National Tequila Day With Special Offers
Suffolk Expands with New Office in Newport Beach
California Faces Labor Shortage in Construction Industry
Costa Mesa City Council Approves Victoria Place Condominium Project
Buchanan Street Partners Appoints Ty Vilhauer as VP of Lending
Rob Poetsch Joins Project Hope Alliance Board to Combat Child Homelessness
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Trinity Broadcasting Network Housing Plan
- Wikipedia: Costa Mesa, California
- Orange County Business Journal: Costa Mesa Approves Hive Live
- Google Search: Costa Mesa housing 2025
- OC Register: 70 Unit Affordable Housing Project Approved
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- KFI AM 640: Costa Mesa Approves Senior Housing Project
- Google News: Costa Mesa affordable housing
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
