The Pendry — Newport Beach, CA

Developer: Pendry | Montage International and Eagle Four Partners | Architect: WATG | Contractor: C.W. Driver Special Projects Group

The 20-story Fashion Island hotel, immediately recognizable by its stepped, post-modern exterior, has been an iconic attraction for the Newport Beach and broader SoCal community since its opening in 1986. However, at the height of the pandemic in 2020, the hotel closed its doors, seizing the opportunity to redefine its offerings and set a new benchmark for luxury in a post-pandemic world.

Working together with Montage International and Eagle Four Partners, WATG, Tynan Group, and C.W. Driver Special Project Group, Labib Funk + Associates (LFA) was enlisted to implement a variety structural modifications and upgrades to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the building. Scope items included a façade renovation as well as the addition of multiple amenities, including a new membership club,  pre-function coffee shop and wine bar at the lobby, pool bar and restrooms, and a children’s club, “Pinwheel,” at Level 2. Further, the project relocated the fitness center, and renovated the existing Oak Grill restaurant.

Throughout the transformation, LFA faced and overcame several engineering challenges. Converting second-floor spaces into a fitness center and children's club required reinforcing existing slabs with Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) to handle additional loads. The team also retrofitted structural columns with FRP to meet safety standards. To address facade deterioration, LFA repaired concrete joints and validated an old window davit system, ensuring it could support substantial loads safely. LFA also confirmed code compliance for window maintenance, avoiding the need for new systems and scaffolding, which cut 2-3 months from the schedule and saved about $1M.

Following upgrades worth $80M, Fashion Island re-emerged as Pendry Newport Beach, offering 295 guest rooms and a reimagined guest experience. This comprehensive renovation exemplified not only technical prowess, but a blend of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability—all while preserving the aesthetic allure that echoes Southern California lifestyle.