MVE Conquers the California Coastline with the Award Winning Master Planned Community, Seabridge Marina

McLarand Vasquez Emsiek & Partners, Inc. (MVE), one of the nation’s leading architecture, planning and interior design firms, has planned and designed the expansion of nearly two linear miles of California waterfront property with the new community, Seabridge Marina located in Oxnard. The development is rapidly becoming a favorite of homebuyers and boating enthusiasts looking to live the quintessential Southern California lifestyle. Industry critics also look favorably upon the project, which was recognized by the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) as Master Planned Community of the Year and most recently won top honors at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference’s (PCBC) Gold Nugget Awards for the Best Community Site Plan.

"The master plan for Seabridge represents an accomplishment at many levels," states Ken Nilmeier, Principal and Director of Planning for MVE. "With its public beaches, boating facilities, visitor serving retail and extensive waterfront access and walkways, the plan won the support of both the community and the California Coastal Commission. We were fortunate to have had the opportunity to be involved at both the land use entitlement phase and through design and construction. The finished product provides a wide array of waterfront residential product options that have proven to be excellent move-up opportunities within the local discretionary housing market."

The Seabridge Marina plan encompasses 135 picturesque acres, organized around a network of waterways and public open spaces. New neighborhoods range from gated island residences with private boat docks to single-level flats with water views. Seabridge offers over 16.5-acres of recreation and parks, 32-acres of open waterways including an eight-acre shallow recreation bay with two beaches and a 247-slip public marina. Signature bridges link the gated islands to the mainland highlighting the community’s carefree coastal surroundings.

With over half of the units sold, Seabridge Marina has been well received by the community. Currently, over 300 homebuyers have either purchased or moved in to the completed sections of the community. The development offers buyers four distinct product types for consumers to choose from including two single-family detached home product types ranging from 2,653 to 3,748 square feet, single-level flats ranging from 1,720 to 2,015 square feet and live/work units 912 to 1,866 square feet. MVE designed the single-level flats, Port Marluna, and the live/work units, Port 121. Construction is complete on two buildings in Port Marluna. Port 121 is slated for construction in late 2007.

MVE’s master plan for Seabridge Marina offers the perfect fusion of aesthetics and functionality. The 2007 Gold Nugget Award judges stated that the project was the clear winner as a result of the extensive mixed-use design elements. "The waterfront could have become a barrier dividing the community but instead became a unifying element with bridges, waterfront pathways, extensive parks, beaches and a 247-slip marina," stated the panel of judges. "This is a very walkable community to most of the daily needs with a California coastal lifestyle."

In addition to Seabridge, MVE also took home four Gold Nugget Merit Awards for planning related projects. The awards included Best Community Site Plan for The Peninsula at Hawaii Kai (Honolulu, HI); Best On the Boards Site Plan for The Village and Park at the Irvine Spectrum (Irvine, CA); and Master Planned Community of the Year for Vantis (Aliso Viejo, CA) and Pacific Highlands Ranch (San Diego, CA).

"We are extremely pleased that MVE was recognized for its community planning work at this year's PCBC Gold Nugget Awards," states Nilmeier. "These awards represent a diverse spectrum of planning projects including community design, neighborhood site planning and mixed-use development. We are truly fortunate to work with such excellent clients and have the talented planning and design staff needed to provide leadership and creativity in executing these projects."

For additional information on Seabridge Marina, please call (805) 985-3122 or visit the website at www.seabridgemarina.com.

About MVE

MVE is a recognized leader in design, planning and interiors for residential, commercial, mixed-use, hospitality, urban, transit-oriented and institutional developments of every scale. With offices in Irvine and Oakland, California and Honolulu, Hawaii, the firm is known for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing architecture in environments that inspire individuals and enhance community. For more information on MVE, visit the website at www.mve-architects.com.