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

OC Vibe Phase 1 is underway near Honda Center—Market Hall, a 5,700-seat venue, plazas, and access upgrades—opening begins in 2026.

We’re Amber & Jenn with the Heart & Home Team—back with another look at OC Vibe, the major mixed-use district rising around the Honda Center and ARTIC transit hub. When complete, OC Vibe aims to be Orange County’s everyday “downtown”: live music, dining, parks, and gathering spaces in a walkable setting. anaheim.net

Quick refresher: What is OC Vibe?

OC Vibe is a 100-acre plan for entertainment, restaurants, parks and plazas, offices, hotels, and new housing, all connected to Honda Center and ARTIC. Key “at-a-glance” targets include 20 acres of parks & plazas, 30+ restaurant offerings, ~1M sq ft of office, ~2,500 residences, and ~550 hotel rooms (full buildout, multi-phase). ocvibe.com 

What’s in Phase 1

1) Market Hall (food & social hub). A massive Market Hall featuring 30+ restaurants, cafes, rooftop bars, and local favorites anchors the opening phase—designed for everyday hangouts as much as pre-show meetups.

2) New 5,700-seat concert venue. Expect a purpose-built indoor venue for live music, comedy, and more—~5,700 seats—adding year-round programming beside the Honda Center.

3) Central plaza & outdoor spaces. Phase 1 introduces a central plaza, pop-up-ready zones, seasonal events, and green connections that stitch the district together via walkable paths and landscaped areas—part of the district’s 20+ acres of public parks, trails, and plazas.

4) Better access & parking. The City notes new parking structures and roadway upgrades around ARTIC and Honda Center are already in early construction, improving access as venues open.

Timeline: When does Phase 1 open?

OC Vibe plans to welcome guests starting in 2026, with additional components rolling out in subsequent years. Coverage from local business press and the City indicates parking structures first, then the Market Hall and concert venue as part of the initial public openings. Broader buildout continues through the later 2020s.

Planning tip: Construction timelines can shift—check OC Vibe and City updates before you go.

Why this matters for OC locals

• Night-out choices—without LA traffic. A destination-style market hall plus a mid-size concert venue brings variety closer to home.

• Parks & plazas you’ll actually use. With ~20 acres of outdoor space in the plan, this isn’t just event-only—it’s an everyday hangout.

• Transit-friendly by design. The district grows around ARTIC and Honda Center, with parking and access upgrades to match.

What we’re excited to try first

• Taste-touring the Market Hall—easy to mix, match, and share.

• Catching a show in the 5,700-seat venue—big enough for energy, intimate enough for great sightlines.

• Evening strolls through the new plazas once the lights are on and events are popping up.

Stay tuned

We’ll keep you posted as milestones hit and opening dates firm up—then we’ll be there with dining picks, parking tips, and first-look videos as spaces open.

About the Heart & Home Team

We’re neighbors and real estate pros who love shining a light on the places that make OC special. Thinking about a move to be near all the action—or curious what your home is worth as OC Vibe comes online? We’re here to help.

Connect with us:
Website: www.HeartAndHomeFamily.com
Email: info@andhomefamily.com 
Call/Text: (714) 875-2753
Instagram: @HeartAndHomeTeam

Anaheim’s new first-time homebuyer program offers up to $50,000 as a silent second—funded by Disney’s $30M housing commitment. Details & video.

We’re Amber & Jenn with the Heart & Home Team—and there’s real Disney magic at work in Anaheim’s housing scene. Thanks to a new city program seeded by Disney’s community investment, qualified first-time buyers could receive up to $50,000 toward a down payment.

What’s happening?

• Disney’s $30 million affordable-housing commitment to Anaheim is structured in two installments; the first $15 million has already been received, helping launch the city’s new housing trust.

• From that trust, $5 million is earmarked for a citywide first-time homebuyer program providing $50,000 toward down payments.

Why it matters: In 2025, the income needed to afford a median OC single-family home was estimated at about $373,200—a huge hurdle for many would-be buyers. Programs like this can help close the gap.

How the assistance works (in plain English)

The city plans to offer the down-payment help as a “silent second” mortgage—a deferred, subordinate loan. In most cases, you make no monthly payments on the second loan while you own the home. The assistance is typically repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage, which helps keep your monthly payment lower today.

Program snapshot

• Benefit: Up to $50,000 toward your down payment (silent second).

• Initial funding pool: $5 million (estimated to help ~100 households at $50k each).

• Goal: Make it easier for ready buyers to cross the down-payment threshold and build equity sooner.

Who may qualify?

City materials indicate the program is aimed at first-time buyers who live and/or work in Anaheim, with eligibility parameters still being finalized. Draft guidance references income limits up to roughly 150% of Area Median Income (AMI), while the city’s press release also references a $200,000 household-income cap—both pointing to middle-income buyers who are shut out by down-payment hurdles. Expect final criteria (income, education course, contribution %, property type, etc.) at launch.

Tip: Anaheim’s Affordable Homeownership page posts updates when programs open—bookmark it and check back.

Why this is a big deal for OC buyers

• Real money where it matters most. A $50k boost can improve loan qualification and reduce mortgage insurance or monthly payment needs.

• Deferred payments = lower monthly costs now. The silent-second structure preserves monthly affordability while you own the home.

• Part of a larger affordability push. Disney’s commitment jump-started the trust, which also funds affordable rental housing and eviction-prevention efforts.

Get prepared now (so you’re first in line)

1. Check your budget & credit. A lender pre-approval clarifies your price range and strengthens your application.

2. Complete a HUD-approved first-time buyer course if required—these often speed things up once applications open. (Anaheim generally requires homebuyer education for city programs.)

3. Gather your funds. The draft guidelines anticipate a minimum 3% buyer contribution (with limits on gift funds).

4. Work with a local team (hi! 👋) that knows Anaheim inventory, pricing, and program timelines.

We’ll walk you through it

The program is being rolled out by the City of Anaheim; funding and slots are limited, and details can evolve. If this sounds like an opportunity for you, we’ll help you get mortgage-ready, monitor updates, and apply as soon as the window opens.

About the Heart & Home Team

We’re neighbors, parents, and local real estate pros who believe homeownership changes lives. Curious whether you could qualify—or what you might afford with a $50k boost? Let’s run the numbers together.

Connect with us:
Website: www.HeartAndHomeFamily.com
Email: info@andhomefamily.com 
Call/Text: (714) 875-2753
Instagram: @HeartAndHomeTeam