Santa Ana's MainPlace to add residential community, dining district
A three-story regional SoCal mall is set to undergo a mixed-use expansion.
MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana, Calif. will be transformed with the groundbreaking of The Carina, a new multi-family residential community that will bring 408 modern apartments to the property. Developed by Lowe, in partnership with MainPlace owner Affinius and owner/operator Centennial, the property will also add the MainPlace Culinary District, a 1.25-acre dining and gathering destination that will introduce locally curated, chef-driven Santa Ana culinary concepts.
“Affinius, Lowe and Centennial are committed to reimagining MainPlace as a vibrant, welcoming destination that brings together residents of the new apartment properties with the neighboring community to gather, linger and spend meaningful time with family and friends,” said Lowe senior VP Rob Reitenour. “The transformation introduces a new way to live while positioning MainPlace as a destination for shopping, entertainment and recreation. With renewed vitality comes an increase in visitors supporting local businesses and delivering lasting economic benefits to the city of Santa Ana.”
The Carina will take shape on the east side of the property and directly across from the future Culinary District. The community will provide a highly walkable residential environment integrated with MainPlace’s evolving mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor gathering spaces.
The Carina will feature a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments within an eight-story building designed as five levels of residences atop three levels of above-grade parking with one level below grade. Residential amenities will include a fitness center, a resort-style pool and spa, outdoor dining and screening areas and more.
The Carina will be the second residential community at the property, following the 2023 completion of the 309-unit Paloma apartments, and is anticipated to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2028.
[READ MORE: Connecticut’s Trumbull Mall goes on the market]
Envisioned as the “social heart” of MainPlace, the Culinary District will introduce a new gathering place for dining, community events and everyday connection. Spanning approximately 1.25 acres, the district will bring more than 20,000 square feet of locally-curated culinary concepts together in an open-air setting.
Anchored by two flagship retail spaces, the district will create a “welcoming connection” between the shopping center and the surrounding multifamily residences, including Paloma and The Carina. The Culinary District is anticipated to be complete by the fourth quarter of 2028.
“The Culinary District will introduce a new front door for MainPlace while showcasing the creativity of Santa Ana’s local culinary scene,” said Michael Platt, executive VP of mixed-use development at Centennial. “Positioned at the heart of the center, it will serve as a natural connection between the new residential communities and the shopping center, creating a welcoming place for people to gather, dine and experience the energy of MainPlace.”
Anchored by Macy’s and JCPenney, MainPlace is home to more than 150 shopping, dining, service and entertainment options.
