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Sharon Paxson
Phone: (949) 280.0681
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Balboa Island Area
Newport Beach, California
Balboa Island Grand Canal
Balboa Island has a very interesting history, as does Newport Beach. Balboa Island evolved during the early 1900's to become a residential area that homes would eventually be built.
Balboa Island is divided into three areas. There is the main island which has 1187 homes, the Little Island which is located across the Grand Canal has 229 homes. And Collins Island which is located of the main Island has 8 homes. The streets of Balboa Island are named after Semi-precious stones including Jade, Onyx, Sapphire, and Coral which creates more charm in the area. There are some very beautiful Newport Beach luxury homes that are locatedon Balboa Island.
In 1908, William Collins, who was from Pasadena, California began dredging a channel on the north side of Newport bay and deposited the sand and silt on tidelands that would eventually become Balboa Island. This dredging was completed with the permission from the Orange County Board of Supervisors. As a result of piling up the sand and silt on the tide lands, this was the beginning of Balboa Island.
Around the same time period, there were lots that were being offered for sale for $350.00 to $750.00. Of course, the highest price lots were the ones that were located on the bay and waterfront. However, even though these lots were being advertised, many of the original lots were sold for as little as $25.00. William Collins made representations that the street lights, and sewers would be completed. Also, soon thereafter, construction was begun for the ferry landing.
Balboa Island was considered a place for summer vacations. Many of the homes did not have the luxury of having heaters, so these homes were used during the summer months, and were often closed up for the winter. Families and t tourists came to visit Balboa Island during the summer months.
Balboa Island's growth was slow initially, however in 1916 Balboa Island officially became part of the the City of Newport Beach.
There was another gentleman named Joe Beek who also part of the initial development of Balboa Island. He was also from Pasadena, California. In 1919, Joe Beek obtained the first contract for a ferry between Balboa Island and Balboa Peninsula. The first car that was transported on the Balboa Island Ferry was in 1920, and it was for a fee of .10 cents. Two years after that, in 1922, Joe Beek got a contract for 15 years. Joe Beek's ferry boat was called the Joker, and it's capacity was two cars. That initial franchise has continued up until this day and currently there are three 64 foot ferries, that have the capacity to carry three automobiles. Also, many bicyclists and pedestrians can ride for a fee as well. The ferry drivers are very skilled particularly during the summer months when Newport Harbor can be incredibly busy with the Newport Harbor boat traffic. It is a great way to travel from the Peninsula to the Island and enjoy the beauty of the Newport Harbor on the brief journey.
 Balboa Island Ferry Entrance from Balboa Island
Balboa Island was also a place that was frequented by many celebrities. In fact, in the 1920's and 1930's, there were many movies that were filmed on Balboa Island. The actor, James Cagney officially purchased Collins Island in 1938 and then later sold in 1948.
Balboa Island Home
In 1953, the International Boy Scout Jamboree held an annual event in Newport Beach. The location of the event was at the area of where Fashion Island is currently located. The Boy Scouts put up their tents on a dirt road which was only two lanes. Later on, the road was paved, and in honor of the Boy Scouts, the name of the road was changed to Jamboree Road. Currently Jamboree Road is a major thorough fare through out Newport Beach, and into Irvine as well. Jamboree Road ends at the entrance to Balboa Island.
Interesting how the Balboa Island area has appreciated as some of the bay front lots were initially sold for $25, and now there are some listed for up to $6,000,000. Despite these prices, there is a consistent charm on Balboa Island. Balboa Island is a very desirable place to live in Newport Beach.
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