By The Resha Group | Sperry Commercial
Anaheim is preparing for a major transformation. OCVIBE, a new mixed-use district surrounding Honda Center, is designed to bring entertainment, dining, housing, hospitality, and public spaces together in one destination. As the project takes shape, it raises an important question for Orange County retail property owners: How will this growth affect your property?
More Than an Entertainment Destination
One of OCVIBE’s newest additions is SENA, a planned 300-plus-room hotel expected to open in 2029. The hotel is planned to be Anaheim’s first property in Marriott’s Autograph Collection and will feature a signature restaurant from chef José Andrés.
The larger, privately funded development spans approximately 100 acres. Plans call for more than 2,000 residences, over 35 dining experiences, 20 acres of parks and public spaces, office space, and entertainment venues.
By combining residential, hospitality, dining, and entertainment uses, OCVIBE aims to attract visitors and residents throughout the week, rather than relying solely on crowds attending concerts and sporting events. That activity could create new opportunities for surrounding businesses, but the benefits for individual retail properties will depend on their location, accessibility, tenant mix, and ability to meet consumer needs.
What It Could Mean for Retail Owners
As Anaheim attracts new residents, visitors, and businesses, shopping center owners should consider how their properties fit into the evolving market. Some centers may be well positioned to capture additional demand, while others could face greater competition for consumers and tenants.
The key is not simply being near a major development. It is understanding how your property competes, which tenants are most valuable to your center, and whether your leasing strategy aligns with the market ahead.
For owners, this is an opportunity to review upcoming lease expirations, assess potential vacancies, and determine whether the current tenant mix supports long-term performance. Waiting until market conditions change may leave fewer options than planning ahead.
A Personal Connection to Anaheim
For Jim and Heather, OCVIBE carries a personal significance. Heather was born in Anaheim, and Jim was raised there, giving them both a longstanding connection to the city and a personal appreciation for its continued growth.
Several months ago, Jim and Heather had the opportunity to take a hard hat tour of OCVIBE, hearing directly from the general contractor and members of the development's leadership team about the project, its vision, and the plans taking shape. Combined with their longstanding connection to Anaheim and experience in Orange County retail real estate, that firsthand perspective offers valuable context for understanding what the development could mean for the surrounding market.
The project is led by Henry and Susan Samueli, whose commitment to Orange County extends well beyond sports and real estate. Through the Samueli Foundation, they support initiatives that strengthen communities and expand opportunities throughout the region. OCVIBE represents another significant investment in Anaheim’s future, one that could influence how people live, work, shop, and spend their time across the surrounding area.
Preparing for What’s Next
OCVIBE represents a significant investment in Anaheim’s future, with the potential to create new opportunities for businesses and communities throughout Orange County. But understanding what that growth means for your property requires looking beyond the headlines.
For retail property owners, the question is how these changes could affect tenant demand, leasing opportunities, competition, and long-term property performance. Every center is different, and the right strategy starts with understanding where your property stands today.
At the Resha Group, our knowledge of Orange County’s retail market, combined with firsthand insight into developments like OCVIBE, helps us guide property owners through an evolving market. Now is the time to evaluate your position, identify opportunities, and plan for what’s ahead.
Own a retail property in Orange County? Contact the Resha Group to discuss your property and develop a strategy for what's ahead.