We are excited to share an update about the future of the YMCA of Orange County and the Newport-Mesa Family YMCA.The YMCA has always been a place where people can belong, feel valued and connect meaningfully with others. This announcement honors our history while evolving to meet the needs of our members and community today and for future generations.We are reigniting our purpose and creating a vibrant community hub designed around connection, people, and wellness – our core pillars. With this in mind, we are planning a transformation of the existing space into a modern, state-of-the-art YMCA facility together with affordable, active senior housing. This integrated model brings wellness, youth development, housing, and family strengthening together under one roof, creating an inclusive ecosystem where people of all ages and abilities can thrive. The design reflects who we are at our core: a community anchored in belonging, shared experiences, and where opportunities to grow flourish.

Location Information

The proposed mixed use 4-acre project, located at 2300 University Drive,
will bring a host of community benefits to the City of Newport Beach.

Overview

The Newport-Mesa Family YMCA is being thoughtfully reimagined as a vibrant, inclusive community hub designed to inspire healthy living, lifelong learning, and meaningful connections. Nearly tripling in size, the expanded 50,000-square-foot campus is rooted in the YMCA’s core mission to strengthen spirt, mind and body for all. This dynamic state-of-the-art campus will offer something for everyone—from wellness studios and tech labs to intergenerational gathering areas and youth enrichment zones. Every square foot is intentionally designed to foster belonging, connection, and growth—making the new Newport-Mesa YMCA a cornerstone of community life for generations to come.

Legacy

Since 1844, the YMCA has been a vital part of communities around the world. What began as a refuge for young men in London quickly expanded into a global movement rooted in service, support, and belonging. Soon thereafter, the YMCA introduced housing as a foundational element of its mission, providing not just shelter but a pathway to healing, growth, and community.Today, the YMCA of Orange County is evolving that mission to meet the needs of a new era. This reimagined space — nearly three times the size of the original facility — is designed to bring people together, offering everything from active senior living and state-of-the-art fitness to tech labs, youth enrichment, and nature-inspired programming.The YMCA is not only honoring its past—it’s creating a future where people of all ages can move, connect, and grow together. The Newport-Mesa Family YMCA continues to be not just part of the community’s history, but essential to its future.

YMCA New Amenities

Whether you’re a child discovering new interests, a teen exploring technology, an adult focused on wellness, or a senior staying socially and physically active, the new Newport-Mesa Family YMCA will be a space where everyone belongs and thrives.Key highlights include:

  • Lounge & Commons Areas that welcome members with warmth and provide comfortable places to gather and connect.

  • A purpose-driven café—operated by YMCA New Horizons members—serving “coffee with a purpose,” where all proceeds go directly back to the community.

  • A year-round aquatics center offering everything from lap swimming and aqua fitness to youth swim camps and lifeguard training.

  • A gymnasium for sports, activities, and special events.

  • A fully equipped teaching kitchen supporting hands-on classes for healthy living and culinary exploration.

  • Multi-use spaces including a Tech Lab, STEM Zone, Mind & Body Studios, and an Intergenerational Room, encouraging cross-generational learning, innovation, and creativity.

  • Dedicated spaces for youth including Kids’ Adventure, Child Watch, and age-specific enrichment rooms that foster development through play, movement, and discovery.

  • A Recovery Studio, Locker Rooms, and comprehensive wellness floor featuring cardio, strength, and functional training options.

Active Senior Living

As Orange County’s population continues to age, the YMCA is responding – with a bold new approach to active senior housing.The Perch Residences is a 105-unit multi-family apartment building for active seniors (55+) with 134,499 square feet of residential living, which includes two-story parking with 124 dedicated stalls for residents. In partnership with the nonprofit YMCA, it promotes a vibrant, intergenerational lifestyle centered on wellness, connection, and lifelong engagement.Adjacent to the proposed 50,000-square-foot Newport-Mesa Family YMCA, the project blends private residential amenities with shared access to expansive recreational facilities. This innovative model integrates older adult housing with a dynamic community hub, supporting the City’s housing goals, affordable housing needs, and broad recreational demands—including aquatic programs—while enriching lives across generations.More than just a place to live, The Perch is a place to thrive. With tailored wellness programming, vibrant social opportunities, and easy access to fitness, enrichment, and intergenerational connection, The Perch empowers older adults to live healthier, fuller lives.The YMCA is proud to lead the way in redefining what aging well looks like in Orange County—with dignity, purpose, and community at the heart.

The Perch Residences: Features & Amenities

The 105 residences will include a mix of one- and two-bedroom units. Each unit is designed for comfort, accessibility, and aging in place, featuring:

  • Open-concept layouts with natural light

  • Modern kitchens with energy-efficient appliances

  • In-unit laundry

  • Walk-in showers and older adult-friendly fixtures

  • Private balconies or patios (select units)

  • Emergency call systems and secure access

Common Indoor Amenity SpacesResidents have access to a variety of indoor spaces that foster community and wellness:

  • Lobby: An inviting area that offers comfortable seating, natural light, and a relaxed atmosphere—perfect for socializing, relaxing, or joining community activities

  • Lounge Areas: Comfortable seating, social gathering zones, and concierge-style services

  • Community Room: For resident meetings, events, and programming

  • Library or Quiet Room: Reading, reflection, and small group activities

  • Mail & Package Room: Secure and accessible

  • Leasing Office: On-site management and resident services

Outdoor Recreational & Amenity SpacesThe building integrates outdoor spaces designed for relaxation and activity:

  • Landscaped Courtyards: With shaded seating, walking paths, and garden areas

  • Rooftop Terrace: Offering views and space for social events or quiet enjoyment

  • Spa: Heated spa with therapeutic jets, ideal for relaxation and muscle relief

  • Pet Relief Area: For residents with small pets

  • Outdoor Dining & BBQ Area: For informal gatherings and resident-hosted events

  • Direct access to the Back Bay Nature Preserve and all its amenities

Community Benefits

At the YMCA of Orange County, our commitment to strengthening communities is more than a mission—it’s part of our culture. Our Social Purpose Model puts that commitment into action by reinvesting revenue from mission-aligned programs and services back into the people and communities we serve, and the staff who make our work possible. This approach allows us to meet real needs, sustain our impact, and support the people who make it all possible. When we invest in each other, we build stronger, healthier, and more connected communities for everyone.The Perch Residences will offer 20 percent of the units as affordable housing units under the State Density Bonus Law. The project not only meets the City’s housing goals, affordable housing needs and broad-ranging recreational demands with expansive aquatic facilities but also enriches lives across generations.

Project Timeline

As the planning process unfolds, we will be able to share more information with our members and the community.

Contact Us:

Frequently Asked Questions

Member Questions

I am a member of the YMCA, will you be offering facilities during construction?
Our goal is to offer a variety of programs and services. We are currently working with various entities to develop a plan.Will I continue to pay dues?
All memberships will be temporarily paused unless you are enrolled in one of our alternative programs or actively visiting one of our four other YMCA locations:1. Fullerton Family YMCA: (714) 879 9622
2. Huntington Beach Family YMCA: (714) 378-4784
3. Laguna Niguel Family YMCA: (949) 495-9622
4. Mission Viejo Family YMCA: (949) 859-9622Will prices increase for memberships at the new facility?
Membership costs will not change as a direct result of the renovation project. Fees may increase in the future due to annual fee schedule changes.When the YMCA reopens will you need to be a member to use the aquatic facilities on site?
Yes. However, we will be offering an Aquatics Community membership option for those who only want to use the pool.

Project Specific Questions

When will construction begin and how long will it take to build the project?
Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2026 and is expected to take approximately 18-22 months to complete. Project specific construction updates will be shared, and notices will be provided to nearby residents and businesses to ensure ongoing communication throughout the construction period.Will the project be built in phases? Will the YMCA be built first, and then the housing?
No, both portions of the project will be built concurrently. This will help minimize construction-related impacts to the neighborhood and shortens the overall project timeline.How do you plan on parking both the residential and YMCA members?
A new parking structure will be built on the east side (rear) of the property to provide sufficient parking for both the residential community and YMCA members and staff. Specifically, there will be 124 dedicated parking spaces for residents plus an additional 320 spaces to accommodate YMCA Members and staff. The project’s parking plan has been designed in full compliance with the City of Newport Beach parking standards. Adequate on-site parking minimizes potential spillover impacts to University Drive and other nearby neighborhood streets.What are the benefits to adding housing to the YMCA site?
The YMCA has a long history of providing housing opportunities. In fact, the organization first began offering housing in the 1860s to support individuals seeking safe, affordable lodging in growing cities. That legacy continues today as housing remains one of the most pressing issues facing communities across California. The City of Newport Beach identified the YMCA site as a housing candidate in its 2021-2029 Housing Element, recognizing the opportunity to combine quality housing with expanded community amenities.Who is paying for this project?
The YMCA of Orange County is funding the project through private fundraising and YMCA financing.Is the city funding any part of this project?
No. The City is not funding any part of the project.

Environmental Questions

How will you ensure runoff does not enter into the Back Bay?
The project will incorporate a comprehensive water runoff mitigation system designed to protect nearby natural resources, including the Back Bay. This system will capture and treat 100% of on-site runoff, ensuring that all stormwater is managed in accordance with the water quality standards established by the State Water Resources Control Board.
Collected water will be filtered and treated before being recycled or released, preventing pollutants or sediments from entering the Back Bay. These measures are part of the project’s commitment to environmental sustainability and compliance with local and state water quality regulations.What environmental steps are you taking to ensure long-term sustainability?
The proposed buildings will be constructed in accordance with the California Building Code, which requires the integration of sustainability features such as solar energy systems, electric vehicle charging stations, and high-efficiency water and energy systems. In addition, the project will incorporate best management practices for stormwater quality. The systems will capture and treat stormwater runoff on-site prior before it enters the City’s stormwater system, reducing pollutants and protecting nearby natural resources, including the Back Bay.How can the YMCA even build housing on this site?
Over the course of several years, the city conducted an extensive planning and public outreach process to update their Housing Element in compliance with state law. The City of Newport Beach has been directed by the state in the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) to identify and build 4,845 new housing units for the 2021-2029 planning period. Newport, Together, a community-based effort and the Housing Element Advisory Committee had a series of town hall meetings to seek input from residents and asked them to identify locations for potential future housing. The YMCA property at 2300 University Drive was included in the updated Housing Element as a site for future housing.

Senior Housing Questions

Will the senior housing be affordable?
The Perch Residences will offer 20 percent of the units as affordable housing units under the State Density Bonus Law.What are the age restrictions for active senior housing?
The residential units will be available for adults 55 years of age and older.How big will the units be?
Several floor plans are available, these include: One bedroom models will range from 597-904 square feet (some include a den). Two bedroom models will range from 1093-1233 square feet (some include a den)Will the YMCA operate/manage the housing?
The YMCA will contract with a property management company who specializes in senior accommodations. The YMCA will also have staff liaisons that work with the property management company and the residents that offer support and connection between the residential and YMCA facility.If I rent an apartment in the community, do I automatically become a member of the YMCA?
Yes, becoming a resident entitles individuals to become members of the YMCA for no additional cost.