Orange County’s real estate market is starting to look up, literally.
Once defined by a sprawl of single-family homes, the region is seeing growing demand for vertical living as buyers look for convenience, amenities and views. Miami-based developer Crescent Heights is leading that shift with Skyline OC, a 25-story, dual-tower conversion that brings condo ownership back to Orange County’s tallest residential building.
Boasting new ownership, a new name and a fully reimagined resort-living concept that bears little resemblance to its past life as a rental community, the Skyline OC towers now pair sophisticated interiors and hotel-caliber amenities with an ownership-focused resident culture and professional on-site management. We spoke with the Crescent Heights team about setting a new standard for vertical living in South Coast Metro.
From condo to rental and back again
For Crescent Heights, Skyline OC is a return to its starting point. The firm established its reputation decades ago on condo conversions before turning to large-scale ground-up projects such as Ten Thousand in Century City/Beverly Hills, and the most recent record-setting multifamily tower called Forma in Miami.
“We believe there’s value in returning to conversions, especially in California, where homeownership is increasingly out of reach, and new condo construction is rare,” says Elliott Kahn, a partner at Crescent Heights. “Skyline OC gives buyers access to new inventory at attainable price points.”
Originally built in 2010 as condominiums and later turned into rentals, the property’s existing structure and location made it a natural fit for Crescent Heights. The development sits near John Wayne Airport, UC Irvine, and Newport Beach.
“It’s a large-scale project that feels private but connected to everything,” Kahn says.
Moving on up
The location is sure to be attractive to buyers as well.
Crescent Heights and brokerage Polaris Pacific, which is running sales for Skyline OC, are welcoming everyone from first-time buyers to empty nesters. Josh Nasvik, managing director at Polaris Pacific, says that they’re seeing young people in the tech and medical fields, as well as a number of “right sizers.”
“People are moving off the coast, possibly into something that might be a little bit more lock-and-leave ready,” says Nasvik. “That condo living with amenities built right into the community is making a big difference for these buyers.”
Prices start around $600,000. Most buyers, Nasvik says, are local professionals in tech, medicine and business who want to stay in Orange County while gaining ownership.
“What’s interesting is that most of the buyers that we’re seeing are, in fact, owner occupiers, and not quite the investor ratio that we might have expected to begin with,” says Nasvik. “They’re people who are really entrenched in Orange County, want to stay there, and get into the market.”
The move-in-ready residences, which range from one- and two-bedroom homes to $3 million penthouses, boast floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing spectacular views, open layouts, and chef-worthy kitchens with Viking, LG, and Miele appliances.
Plus, because the building was completed in 2010, the homes are also bigger than newly constructed condos.
“The unit sizes are larger than what we might be used to in other markets, specifically if you look at Downtown LA or downtown urban cores,” says Nasvik. “Our average unit size is around 1,500 square feet, whereas, if it were designed today, you might see an average unit size of 750 square feet.”
Resort amenities with a Southern California edge
Crescent Heights applied lessons from its national portfolio to reposition Skyline OC’s 60,000 square feet of amenity space. The development includes a bocce court, putting green, co-working lounge, and a chef’s kitchen for residents’ events.
“The design is pulling inspiration from the best of Southern California and Orange County living,” Kahn says. “Local buyers want spaces that are refined but feel organic and relaxed.”
The centerpiece is an 80-foot pool surrounded by teak lounges and private cabanas. “Through thoughtful landscaping and lighting, we created small areas of privacy where people can work or relax outside,” Kahn adds.
The building’s fitness center, which Kahn calls its crown jewel, features yoga and Pilates studios, spa treatment rooms, and sauna and steam areas.
At your service
At Skyline OC, Crescent Heights also emphasizes service. Residents have access to 24-hour security and an on-site concierge who handles dining reservations, dry cleaning, and car detailing. The company hosts resident events that strengthen the sense of community across its properties.
“We’re involved in every aspect of the resident experience,” Kahn says. “Being attentive to our communities is at the core of what we do. Ultimately, we’re creating people’s homes, and Skyline OC gives buyers a way to live the Southern California experience without the typical barriers of ownership.”
For more information, visit liveskylineoc.com