A significant reinvestment project at The Market Place is set to debut its initial phases, with new restaurants and a community plaza open now or within weeks, while new apartment community Colonnade at The Market Place will begin welcoming residents later this fall.
The Market Place was the vision of famed international architect Ricardo Legorreta, whose inspiration included a unique color palette, 100-foot-high light towers, geometric shapes and light-filled public spaces. That vision is evolving with the addition of a reimagined plaza with a new half-acre lawn that will connect retail, residential space and dining.
Two new apartment communities are key to the new concept. Colonnade at The Market Place and Meridian at The Market Place are expected to draw residents who appreciate walkable access to restaurants and retail, including young professionals who work nearby. Colonnade leasing is set to begin this month, with Meridian leasing to begin this December.
Irvine food enthusiasts already can visit the new Shake Shack, with its signature burgers and shakes. It’s the second location in Irvine, following the Irvine Spectrum Center spot that was the first in Orange County when it debuted in 2023.
Shake Shack is across El Camino Real from the new community plaza and apartment communities, while Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, Mendocino Farms and BLK Dot Coffee are on the plaza, with the new apartment homes nearby. An opening celebration for the new park and restaurants will be held Sept. 27.
The public space, residential and dining features are connected to The Market Place’s collection of more than 130 restaurants and retail, including home goods, groceries, apparel, wellness, dining and entertainment.
