Groundbreaking for The Carina Advances MainPlace Transformation in Santa Ana With Four Hundred Eight Apartments and Culinary District

The transformation of MainPlace in Santa Ana advanced with a ceremonial groundbreaking for The Carina, a new multifamily community that will deliver 408 apartments to the center of the property. Developed by Lowe in partnership with MainPlace owner Affinius and owner/operator Centennial, The Carina is part of a multi-phase effort to reposition MainPlace as a mixed-use destination that integrates residential living with retail, dining and entertainment.

Construction will begin at 2828 N. MainPlace Drive on an eight-story building composed of five levels of residences atop three levels of above-grade parking, with an additional level below grade. The Carina will offer studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments with interior finishes including luxury vinyl plank flooring, porcelain tile, quartz countertops and contemporary fixtures, plus in-unit washers and dryers and private terraces.

Onsite amenities are concentrated around a fourth-floor amenity deck and extensive indoor spaces. The outdoor program includes a resort-style pool and spa, outdoor dining and screening areas, and a landscaped courtyard. Indoor community amenities include a large lounge and kitchen, double-sided fireplace, game room, television lounge and club room. Additional services and amenities will include a fitness center with group exercise and yoga rooms, coworking and study spaces, a maker’s space, dog run and dog spa, secure parcel storage, and more than 84,000 square feet of terraces and courtyards to support outdoor living.

" Santa Ana welcomes the continued transformation of MainPlace, bringing forward modern residences such as The Carina and Paloma, along with welcoming places to gather like the new Culinary District and the evolving shopping center, said Mayor Amezcua. Thoughtful redevelopment like this strengthens our city and delivers lasting benefits for the community. "

Also advancing at MainPlace is a new 1.25-acre MainPlace Culinary District, designed as an open-air dining and gathering destination that will bring more than 20,000 square feet of locally curated, chef-driven concepts together around a new gateway at Center Court. The district will be anchored by two flagship retail spaces, feature programmed event space for live entertainment and markets, and provide a public plaza with outdoor furnishings and landscaping to connect the shopping center with adjacent residences including Paloma and The Carina.

" 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 Vice President 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 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 vice president 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. "

The Carina follows the 2023 completion of the 309-unit Paloma and is expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2028, with the Culinary District on a similar timeline. Current center improvements include an updated atrium and food court with expanded seating, upgraded lighting and refreshed finishes to support a cohesive indoor-outdoor experience across the evolving MainPlace campus.