Don Haskell, Ardell founder, dies

NEWPORT BEACH — Don Haskell, one of Orange County’s largest real estate magnates, has died, according to a website affiliated with The Sherman Company. Haskell was associated with The Sherman Company and Ardell Investments; the latter has a presence on Mariners Mile in Newport Beach, Calif., and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Haskell’s passing was announced Dec. 22 on hollywoodlandgiftedpark.com, a website affiliated with The Sherman Company.

“With sincere sympathy we share the news of Don Haskell’s passing. Mr. Haskell was the son of Earl Haskell, Sherman Company representative for Hollywoodland and her gifted park from 1933- 1960s,” the statement on Hollywoodland Gifted Park’s website read. “Arnold Haskell (uncle) created the Sherman Library and Gardens in Corona Del Mar. This facility holds artifacts and history about Hollywoodland and her Gift as well as significant historical documents about Southern California and the western United States. We are grateful for their generous efforts in preservation and have been honored beneficiaries of the rich history and resources.”

Haskell’s passing came days after multiple sources indicated Ardell’s property holdings on Mariners Mile are on the verge of being sold, according to those familiar with the transaction but unauthorized to speak on the record.

The identity of potential buyers or a sale has not been revealed. Reliable sources hinted an escrow could be closing soon on the Mariners Mile property in the coming weeks.

The sale could signify Mariners Mile transition from a boating-themed destination to an area housing boutique shops, high-end automotive dealers, and trendy restaurants.

Newport Beach’s land use policy for Mariners Mile restricts waterfront development along the 1.3-mile stretch of Coast Highway to harbor and marine-related commercial, institutional, limited housing, and some neighborhood-serving retail. Commercial tenants, neighborhood-serving retail, mixed-use buildings (housing above retail), multi-family residential, and retail on highway frontage are permitted on the portion of Coast Highway opposite waterfront property.

Complicating redevelopment plans was the defeat of Measure Y in November 2014. The ballot measure, if approved, would have amended Newport Beach’s General Plan to allow for redevelopment of the city’s major commercial centers, including Mariners Mile.

Ardell’s yacht brokerage and marina fronts on both sides of Coast Highway with a number of boat brands represented just across the street to the north of 2101 West Coast Highway, was founded by Haskell in 1958 and reportedly occupies about 3.5 acres of Mariners Mile. A potential sale may impact additional parcels of land on Mariners Mile. A news report stated the building at 2241 West Coast Highway that houses the clothing boutique store A’maree’s, is among other businesses also associated with Ardell.