A new development in Anaheim is incorporating innovative mass timber construction alongside a variety of amenities and community-focused features, aiming to revitalize the area with a mixed-use district anchored by sports and entertainment venues.
Central to the project is The Weave, a 168,000-square-foot office building designed using mass timber—a wood-based construction method that offers a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete and steel. Scheduled to open in late 2027, The Weave will feature open floor plans and outdoor balconies on each level, providing tenants with access to fresh air and natural light. The building’s name reflects its architectural design, inspired by the basket weaving of the region’s Indigenous peoples. Kiln, a hospitality-focused coworking operator, is the first confirmed tenant, offering smaller office spaces and memberships targeted at technology, professional services, and life sciences firms.
The office component, while significant, represents a smaller portion of the overall district compared to similar developments nationally. Orange County’s office market is currently contracting, with many older buildings being repurposed as warehouses or residential properties. Nevertheless, projects like The Weave have seen strong leasing activity as companies compete to attract and retain talent.
In addition to office space, the district has attracted several founding partners, including UCI Health, Rady Children’s Health, Arthur J. Gallagher, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, Cox, and Concordia University Irvine. These organizations plan to engage with the community through the district’s platform.
The broader development includes a planned hotel near the Honda Center, with a second hotel and park area to be constructed closer to the regional transit center, known as ARTIC. The transit area is currently a parking lot but is set to expand with a new parking structure and pedestrian bridge connecting to ARTIC, which is managed by OC Sports and Entertainment. Together, these hotel projects will add more than 500 rooms to the area.
Residential plans feature a neighborhood with approximately 2,000 homes across eight buildings, including low-income housing. While not mandated, affordable housing was incorporated to provide options for onsite workers and aligns with Anaheim’s master plan calling for increased housing density in the district.
Public access to green space is a key element, with about 20 acres of open-air parks connected by a three-mile pedestrian loop throughout the development. The district borders the Santa Ana River and its regional bike path, with ongoing collaboration between local and federal agencies to enhance river water flow and potentially introduce water-based recreational activities.
Sean McNamara, managing director of The Mixx—a property management firm overseeing OCVIBE’s commercial and common areas—highlighted the importance of open space and placemaking in fostering community engagement. “One of the biggest land use mistakes is over densifying an area,” he said. “Open space creates the opportunity for engagement and activations that don’t already exist.”
OC Sports and Entertainment will continue managing the Honda Center and future entertainment venues within the district. Technological infrastructure will support communication with visitors through mobile apps and over 100 video boards distributed across the development. These systems, managed centrally, will facilitate interaction among various stakeholders, an approach deemed vital for the district’s success.
The project is backed by billionaire Henry Samueli, co-founder of Broadcom Corp. and owner of the Anaheim Ducks since 2005, whose background in technology has influenced the district’s integration of high-tech features. According to McNamara, sports-anchored mixed-use developments with substantial open space typically experience stronger financial performance, benefiting retail, office, hospitality, and event components alike.