Construction has begun on the landside portion of the $600-million revitalization project known as the Commercial Core at Dana Point Harbor. A groundbreaking took place Feb. 7 to commemorate the milestone in the multiyear project.

Spearheaded by Burnham Ward Properties (BWP), the five-phase, 120,000-square-foot landside portion of the revitalization project will focus on Dana Point Harbor’s restaurants and retail experience while creating public spaces for year-round education, activities and entertainment.

Phases 1 and 2 are anticipated to be completed in 12 months. Construction will then begin on Phase 3 of the Commercial Core, which includes development along the waterfront. The final phases will include the redevelopment of the buildings within The Wharf.

“This is a historically and culturally significant milestone in the revitalization of Dana Point Harbor and it’s been a tremendous effort to get the landside revitalization to the point of a groundbreaking,” said Bryon Ward, president and partner of BWP.