Is OCVIBE going to be a vibe?

Photo courtesy of OCVIBE

Before OCVIBE has served its first meal or even hosted its first concert, its ambitions are already taking shape; but how is it shaping up so far? 

Sports, dining, apartments, entertainment, shopping: the possibilities are endless and they are all quickly coming to the anticipated new downtown destination in Anaheim at OCVIBE. 

“Students will have new places to eat, spend time with friends and experience concerts, art and other programming close to campus,” said Scott Frick, senior vice president of real estate and district operations for OCVIBE.

Coming our way in spring 2027 is phase one of OCVIBE’s project plan. This includes numerous dining options, a brand new music hall, remodeled outdoor scenes and even more in the making.

So close to Chapman campus, this could be the new hub of community to share experiences with others after construction completes. 

In a county full of good eats, Katella Commons is up and coming. Bringing a number of different cultures together, this spot will be the new vibe for any occasion. 

There have already been chefs selected to fill the plethora of new kitchens ranging from modern Filipino food to Mexican and Italian. 

Photo courtesy of OCVIBE.

“The goal was to bring together chefs and concepts with distinct identities, stories and approaches to food,” Frick said. “The result is a collection of individual food experiences that reflect the diversity of the region.” 

Not only is there food to enjoy on its own, but you can accompany your food with a drink and entertainment too.

Within Katella Commons will be six new bars and lounges that offer a range of different cocktails, wines, spirits and experiences.

“Whether you’re starting the night, extending lunch into happy hour, gathering before the game or meeting friends after work, there’s a seat and a drink waiting for you,” according to OCVIBES’s website. 

Photo courtesy of OCVIBE.

Finished with your food and drink, you can stroll over to the new concert hall that can hold around 5,000 people, offering new performances and a new nightlife experience. 

Integrated within the concert hall will be the Gallagher Club and other bars to stop by before, during and after the shows. 

With countless reasons to stay, OCVIBE is being designed to make arriving and getting around easy. There will be four different parking garages with thousands of spaces for vehicles, making these new experiences more accessible. 

“If you are here to eat, enjoy our parks or you are attending an event here, the parking is free or included in your ticket,” said Frick. “We want you to be in the parking deck and out of your car within five minutes of getting off the freeway.”

OCVIBE still plans to be more than a destination for only game nights and special occasions. 

There are plans in store for parks and public plazas that will create a place where anyone and everyone can spend time outdoors or connect with one another. These connected walking trails will also link the different areas of the development, making it easier to move between restaurants, retail spots and venues. 

The future of this project includes residential developments and offices, bringing apartment living and work into the district, placing residents and employees within walking distance and access to all the dining, parks and entertainment.

For Chapman students, OCVIBE can easily become a nearby option for much more than a night out. It can offer a place to grab food after class, catch a concert with friends, find a new study spot, spend an afternoon outdoors or simply experience a growing part of Anaheim. 

“The district is being shaped around an Orange County identity with local chefs, artists, businesses and cultural voices playing an important role in its development,” said Frick. “We think OCVIBE will allow visitors and locals alike to appreciate Anaheim more as a whole.” 

As we await for doors to be open to the public in the nearing new year, OCVIBE may be the new vibe of 2027 and beyond.