Buena Park, a vibrant city in northwestern Orange County, California, is experiencing a wave of transformation as new developments reshape its landscape. Known for its proximity to popular attractions like Knott’s Berry Farm and its family-friendly atmosphere, Buena Park is now becoming a hotspot for modern housing projects and urban revitalization efforts. As of April 5, 2025, several significant developments are either underway or recently approved, promising to enhance the city’s appeal while addressing the pressing need for housing in Southern California. Whether you’re a resident, a prospective homebuyer, or simply curious about the city’s evolution, here’s everything you need to know about Buena Park’s new developments.
The Housing Boom in Buena Park
California’s housing shortage has been a well-documented challenge, and Buena Park is stepping up to meet state mandates with ambitious residential projects. Two standout developments—the Village at Buena Park and the Dale Townhomes Project—are at the forefront of this growth, each bringing unique features to the city.
The Village at Buena Park: A Game-Changer for Downtown
One of the most significant projects is the Village at Buena Park, a 25-acre mixed residential development that promises to breathe new life into the area surrounding Buena Park Downtown Mall. Approved unanimously by the City Council on June 27, 2023, this project is set to replace the vacant Sears building and its sprawling parking lot, which closed in 2020. Spearheaded by San Diego-based Merlone Geier Partners, the Village will feature 1,302 residential units, including 1,176 apartments and 126 for-sale townhomes.
The scale of this development is impressive. Apartment buildings will range from three to seven stories, offering a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. The townhomes, designed in a craftsman style with pitched roofs and wood siding, will stand at three stories and come with attached two-car garages. Beyond housing, the Village will include nearly 3,000 parking spaces, a one-acre publicly accessible park, rooftop amenities, and courtyards, creating a walkable community adjacent to the mall’s dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
The project isn’t just about adding homes—it’s about revitalizing the downtown core. With 176 units designated as affordable housing, the Village aligns with Buena Park’s goal of addressing housing accessibility. Proponents argue it will attract new residents and businesses, boosting the local economy and supporting the flagging mall. The development’s transit-oriented design, with proximity to bus lines and major corridors, also aims to reduce car dependency and air pollution.
However, the Village hasn’t been without controversy. Some residents have voiced concerns about traffic congestion, parking spillover, and the loss of community event space, like the farmer’s market that once occupied the Sears lot. Developers have pledged to work with the market to find a new home during and after construction, but its future location remains uncertain. Despite these challenges, the project’s approval reflects a broader push to prioritize housing over maintaining vacant retail space.
Dale Townhomes Project: A Smaller, Community-Focused Addition
Across the street from the Buena Park Mall, another development is taking shape: the Dale Townhomes Project at 8030 Dale Street. Approved by the City Council on November 12, 2024, this 93-unit townhome community by Brandywine Homes will transform a lot previously occupied by an Orchard Supply Hardware store, which has been vacant for six years. The site, currently used for tile warehousing and Tesla vehicle storage, will soon feature Spanish colonial-style townhomes in 14 detached buildings.
This project is more modest in scope than the Village but still significant. It includes 212 on-site parking spaces, open space areas, and landscaping with trees to provide privacy for neighboring single-family homes. Of the 93 units, 14 will be designated as moderate-income affordable housing, with two at the low-income level, addressing a range of housing needs. The development required a General Plan amendment, zoning changes, and environmental clearance under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), all of which were met with a Mitigated Negative Declaration.
Community feedback has played a key role in shaping this project. Initially proposed as 283 apartments with retail space, Brandywine scaled back after facing opposition at a 2023 community forum. Residents raised concerns about traffic, parking, and privacy, prompting the shift to a smaller, townhome-only plan. The Planning Commission recommended approval in August 2024, and the City Council followed suit, with measures like potential fines for residents using garages for storage rather than parking to mitigate neighborhood impacts.
Why These Developments Matter
Buena Park’s new projects reflect broader trends in California: a push for denser, transit-accessible housing to combat the state’s affordability crisis. The city’s location—12 miles northwest of downtown Santa Ana and near major freeways like the 5 and 91—makes it an ideal candidate for such growth. Its Entertainment Corridor, home to Knott’s Berry Farm and Medieval Times, already draws millions of tourists annually, and these developments could further solidify Buena Park’s status as a desirable place to live and visit.
Addressing the Housing Crisis
California’s housing mandates have put pressure on cities to increase supply, and Buena Park is no exception. The Village and Dale Townhomes together will add nearly 1,400 new residences, a significant step toward meeting demand. Advocates like Elizabeth Hansburg of People for Housing Orange County have praised these efforts, noting that they provide opportunities for younger generations priced out of the market. Critics, however, question whether the affordable housing components—176 units in the Village and 16 in Dale—are sufficient, given the scale of the crisis.
Economic and Social Impacts
These developments are poised to reshape Buena Park’s economy and social fabric. The Village, for instance, is expected to generate $8.6 million in park fees and $1.3 million in community benefits, funds that could enhance local infrastructure. New residents will likely boost patronage at the Downtown Mall and nearby businesses, reversing years of decline. Socially, the projects aim to foster a diverse community, with property management adhering to fair housing laws and designs catering to singles, couples, and families alike.
Challenges and Community Response
No development comes without hurdles, and Buena Park’s projects have sparked debate. Traffic remains a top concern, especially near the mall, where the Village’s 3,000 parking spaces and Dale’s 212 could strain existing roads. Privacy issues for adjacent neighborhoods have also surfaced, though landscaping and scaled-down designs aim to address this. Some residents, like Paul Buron, who spoke against the Dale project, question the need for more housing so soon after the Village’s approval, pointing to the 1,300 units already in the pipeline.
City officials and developers have worked to balance these concerns with growth. The Village includes security cameras and controlled parking to mitigate spillover, while Dale’s fines for garage misuse aim to keep streets clear. Public hearings and community meetings—seven for the Village since 2021 and multiple for Dale—have allowed residents to voice opinions, influencing outcomes like the reduction in Dale’s scope.
What’s Next for Buena Park?
Construction timelines vary, but both projects are moving forward. The Village, a four-year endeavor, will unfold in phases, with demolition of the Sears building already underway as of early 2025. The Dale Townhomes, being smaller, could see completion sooner, with groundwork likely starting later this year. Meanwhile, other builders like KB Home, Toll Brothers, and TRI Pointe are offering new construction homes across Buena Park, ranging from $500,000 to over $2 million, catering to diverse budgets.
For homebuyers, these developments offer a chance to invest in a growing city with modern amenities and a prime location. For residents, they signal change—more neighbors, more activity, and potentially more strain on infrastructure. For Buena Park as a whole, they represent a pivot toward a denser, more urban future while preserving its small-town charm.
Final Thoughts
Buena Park’s new developments are more than just buildings—they’re a response to a changing California and a vision for a revitalized community. The Village at Buena Park and the Dale Townhomes Project each bring something unique: one a bold reimagining of downtown, the other a thoughtful addition to a residential corridor. Together, they highlight the city’s commitment to growth, affordability, and sustainability, even as they navigate the inevitable challenges of progress.
As these projects take shape over the coming years, Buena Park will likely emerge as a model for how mid-sized cities can adapt to modern demands without losing their identity. Whether you’re excited about the new homes, wary of the changes, or simply watching from afar, one thing is clear: Buena Park is on the move, and its future looks brighter—and busier—than ever.
