Caribou Industries Unveils 602-Apartment Tower at One Broadway Plaza

Developer Mike Harrah Revamps One Broadway Plaza: A Shift Towards Housing in Santa Ana

Developer Mike Harrah is embarking on a significant transformation of One Broadway Plaza, a 37-story skyscraper in Santa Ana that has been in various stages of planning for over 20 years. The latest iteration of the project plans to replace its original office-centric focus with 602 upper-end, market-rate apartments. This updated vision comes during a time when the demand for housing significantly outweighs supply, particularly highlighted by the changes in work habits post-pandemic. With plans to create the tallest structure in Orange County, Harrah aims to cater to young professionals and government workers capitalizing on new transit infrastructure.

A Major Shift in Project Direction

Originally conceived as an office building, the developments surrounding COVID-19 have prompted a crucial pivot in the project’s focus. Harrah, president of Caribou Industries, noted in a February 2026 interview that "the economy has changed," indicating a declining demand for commercial spaces due to increased remote working. With the previous approval for 415 units in 2020 far superseded by the new proposal, this change signals a broader trend affecting commercial real estate in Santa Ana, where office vacancy rates have surged in recent years.

Mixed-Use Plans That Prioritize Housing

The revised One Broadway Plaza project retains a mixed-use approach but leans towards a residential-heavy design. The proposed plans include a variety of residential and commercial spaces, comprising 602 market-rate apartments with a minimum size of 500 square feet, a substantial retail area of about 70,000 square feet, an eight-story parking structure, and additional amenities like a grocery store, restaurants, health spas, and even a swimming lagoon. While the project boasts a price tag of approximately $400 million, Harrah has yet to finalize the financing aspects.

Addressing the Affordable Housing Gap

In lieu of constructing affordable units on site, Harrah plans to contribute approximately $4.7 million to Santa Ana’s general fund, which is intended to support the development of community infrastructure, including parks. Harrah believes this approach will imbue a broader benefit to the city compared to building a limited number of affordable units. This decision has ignited discussions around the pressing need for affordable housing, especially in contrast to Santa Ana’s tight multifamily real estate market, which reported a mere 4.1% vacancy rate as of late 2025.

Capitalizing on Local Employment Opportunities

A significant advantage of the One Broadway Plaza project lies in its proximity to Santa Ana’s Civic Center, which houses numerous government offices. Many employees from surrounding cities, who currently commute lengthy distances, would ideally benefit from living in a nearby residential area. By providing housing options close to workplaces like courts and city halls, Harrah aims to infuse convenience into the lives of these workers, potentially easing traffic congestion in the process.

Integration with Emerging Transit Infrastructure

The project is strategically positioned to leverage new transit developments, particularly the OC Streetcar, which is expected to enhance connectivity in the area once operational. This electric streetcar represents a substantial investment aimed at modernizing public transportation in Santa Ana. With a route that directly connects to vital locations such as the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center and downtown, residents of One Broadway Plaza will enjoy improved accessibility that aligns with contemporary living preferences.

Community Response and Future Prospects

Despite the potential benefits of the proposed development, community backlash has emerged. Local opposition has labeled the tower a "monstrosity," reflecting ongoing concerns around urban density and architectural impact. Harrah recently held a community meeting to address local sentiments, albeit with limited attendance. Nevertheless, Harrah, who has dedicated around 33 years to Santa Ana’s landscape, remains committed to moving forward with plans for groundbreaking in early 2027, contingent on securing financing and city approvals. He emphasizes the positive implications of this development for downtown revitalization, tax revenue, and local job creation.

In summary, as Mike Harrah pivots One Broadway Plaza toward residential use, he taps into the market’s pressing demand for housing while strategically positioning himself to reap the benefits of emerging transit infrastructure and local employment clusters. With ongoing community dialogue and robust planning, this project aims not just to reshape a skyline but also to transform the living experience for many Santa Ana residents.