The ornate former headquarters of the Trinity Broadcasting Network, a landmark in Costa Mesa along the 405 Freeway, could make way in the future for a housing project, including some affordable units, if developers soon get key approvals from city leaders.
The City Council is set to consider at its Aug. 5 meeting whether to approve the redevelopment proposal; the request to rezone the property from general commercial use to high-density residential already won approval from the Costa Mesa Planning Commission on July 14.
Meritage Homes is proposing 122 multifamily residential units, which would be housed within eight four-story buildings, and 20 two-story detached condos. At least seven units would be reserved as very-low-income housing, company officials said in an application letter to the city.
The proposed floor plans range in size, from a 1,062-square-foot, two-bedroom unit, to a 2,364-square-foot, four-bedroom unit. Meritage Homes is marketing the residential community as a way to fill the “missing-middle for-sale housing that is desperately needed in the region.”
But first, if the council approves the project, would be the demolition of the complex of buildings on the elaborately decorated campus on Bear Street near the South Coast Plaza that were once home the Trinity Broadcasting Network.
Dubbed “America’s Most Watched Faith Channel,” TBN was founded by Paul and Jan Crouch. It purchased the 6.12-acre property for approximately $6 million in 1996, creating the network’s Trinity Christian City International campus. The property, with its manicured grounds and known for a massive display of holiday lights, remained the religious network’s international headquarters for around 20 years before it was sold in 2017.
The property has switched hands a few times since then. EF Education First, a global education company, proposed renovations in 2019 to turn the campus into an international language school. The property then sold in 2021 for $22 million to real estate mogul Manuchehr “Manny” Khoshbin.
It was rebranded as a luxury European-style event venue, The Palazzo by Khoshbin, which promised to provide a “magical” space for gatherings such as weddings and corporate events. The venue is set to permanently close Aug. 31.
Public comment at the recent Planning Commission meeting around the proposed housing development was mixed, with some residents raising concerns about increased traffic congestion, reduced parking and quality of life issues.
“What’s clear is that the parking is woefully inadequate for this area that has nowhere else to bleed over to,” said one 30-year Costa Mesa resident who echoed shared concerns of overflow parking impacting surrounding neighborhoods and also opposed the proposed pedestrian access gate on Olympic Avenue.
A couple who said they live nearby expressed concern over increased traffic congestion and a proposed crosswalk near a downhill slope on Bear Street. They added that the area is known for speeding and a crosswalk past a blind hill “risks being overlooked” by fast-moving traffic and can be hazardous for pedestrians.
David Haithcock, president of Costa Mesa’s Chamber of Commerce, expressed strong support on behalf of the organization. And, one speaker who said he rents with his wife and three children, told Planning Commissioners his family is “eager” to purchase a home in the city and saw the project as an opportunity to become homeowners and invest in the community.
Commissioners conveyed strong support for the project, but acknowledged public concerns over traffic and parking. Officials viewed it as a benefit to the community by addressing the regional housing crisis and providing an opportunity for middle-income families.
“Over 60% of households in Costa Mesa are renters,” Planning Commissioner Angely Andrade said. “This is the first time that we are hearing ‘first-time homebuyer’ for low-income individuals. We never hear that here. Developers come over and over, talking about beautiful, wonderful projects, but it’s always ‘affordable to rent.’”
The City Council meets at 7 p.m. on Aug. 5; Developers said if approved, the project could have model units ready by May 2027.
