If you’ve been to Brea Mall lately, you’ve probably noticed: it’s not just a refresh—it’s a full-on re-imagining. The vision: more fresh energy, more places to eat and hang, and a walkable indoor-outdoor vibe that feels like a modern town center. We’ve been tracking the updates closely, and below is your friendly, Heart & Home rundown of what’s here, what’s coming, and why it matters for North OC living.
Phase 1: The new wing is here—ZARA & UNIQLO have landed
Phase 1 of the renovation brought a bright, modern west-wing expansion with new anchors and a sleeker look. UNIQLO debuted on April 25, 2025, and ZARA opened shortly after in a larger, multi-level space—think clean lines, better flow, and tons of new inventory.
A real “meet-up” scene: outdoor plaza, Rivian space & coffee on deck
Beyond the classic mall stroll, Brea Mall is building an outdoor “town center” near Nordstrom with patio dining and lawn-style gathering areas. Rivian’s new space in that outdoor area is now open—you can climb into the R1T or R1S and even book a demo drive. Philz Coffee is joining the plaza, with a soft opening this week and a grand opening that follows—perfect timing for fall coffee runs.
Dining upgrades (dumplings & date-night pasta, anyone?)
Two high-profile restaurants are on the way: Din Tai Fung (yes, those soup dumplings) and North Italia (handmade pastas and a robust wine list). Both are listed by the center as “coming soon,” with build-outs tied to the new dining zone.
What’s under construction: apartments, big green space & Life Time
The City of Brea approved Simon’s mixed-use plan for the former Sears area in May 2023. The project replaces the old building and portions of surface parking with:
~380 apartments,
a resort-style Life Time athletic club (arriving 2026), and
a central green + outdoor plaza sized for community events.
(Planning documents note a ~21,800-sq-ft central green and a ~13,000-sq-ft plaza, alongside the 90,000-sq-ft fitness club—great news if you like open-air concerts, yoga on the lawn, or just letting the kids run around.)
Quick clarification: We’ve seen “hotel” mentioned in some chatter about area projects. The approved Brea Mall Mixed-Use Project focuses on apartments, retail/dining, open space, and the Life Time club; a hotel is not listed in the City’s approved Brea Mall scope.
Retail momentum: relocations, expansions & brand mix
Simon has been clear that Brea Mall is in a multi-year transformation—relocating/expanding brands (like lululemon and Pottery Barn) and layering in new names (UNIQLO, Rivian) as the outdoor district takes shape. It’s part of a broader “upgrade the whole experience” strategy.
What’s open now vs. coming soon
Open now (highlights):
ZARA (new, larger format) and UNIQLO (opened Apr 25) in the refreshed wing.
Rivian Space in the outdoor area near Nordstrom; demo drives available.
Coming soon / underway:
Philz Coffee at the new town center (soft opening this week; grand opening follows).
Din Tai Fung & North Italia in the new dining zone.
lululemon (relocating/expanding as the outdoor district fills in).
Life Time athletic club (arriving 2026).
~380 apartments + central green & plaza (construction in phases).
Why this matters (local living & real estate)
For Brea and North OC, this isn’t just a nicer mall—it’s a lifestyle shift. Walkable dining and hangout spots, destination retailers, and on-site housing can boost daily convenience and evening vibrancy. For homeowners and future buyers, mixed-use centers often correlate with stronger neighborhood amenities, better weekend options, and—over time—added desirability for nearby communities.
Heart & Home’s take
Brea Mall has always been a community hub, and these updates push it into a new era of “shop-eat-gather.” We’ll keep sharing progress as more openings roll out—see you on the plaza for lunch (and maybe a little shopping)!
Thinking about how these changes might impact your home search or sale in North OC? We’re happy to chat about neighborhood trends and opportunities.
— Amber & Jennifer, The Heart & Home Team
