July 25, 2025

Regency Centers Acquires Major Retail Portfolio in Rancho Mission Viejo

News Summary

Regency Centers has acquired a five-property retail portfolio in Rancho Mission Viejo for $357 million, significantly surpassing the total retail investment in Orange County for the first quarter. This 630,000 square foot portfolio is 97% leased and primarily serves essential service tenants. The transaction emphasizes Regency’s growth strategy in a desirable coastal market with a high household income demographic, alongside financing details and the firm’s commitment to enhancing its retail presence.

Rancho Mission Viejo, California

Regency Centers has acquired a five-property retail portfolio in Rancho Mission Viejo, Orange County, for $357 million. This acquisition is notably larger than the total retail investment in Orange County for the first quarter of 2025, which stood at $283.3 million, as reported by CBRE. The portfolio, covering approximately 630,000 square feet, is currently 97% leased.

The properties included in this significant acquisition are:

Bridgepark Plaza at 27702 Crown Valley Parkway
Mercantile W at 25636 Crown Valley Parkway
Mercantile E at 27502 Antonio Parkway
Terrace Shops at 1101 Corporate Drive
Sendero Marketplace at 30721 Gateway Place

The transaction was partially supported by $150 million in assumed mortgage debt from a lender that remains unnamed. The seller of the portfolio was Rancho Mission Viejo LLC, a key player in real estate development in the area.

Rancho Mission Viejo is a large-scale development covering 23,000 acres that has been in progress since the 1960s. This acquisition aligns with Regency Centers’ objective to strengthen its foothold in a coastal market that has limited supply, emphasizing the strategic importance of the location.

The retail properties included in the transaction primarily house tenants that offer essential services, including grocery stores, restaurants, and health and wellness providers. This is particularly noteworthy given the demographic data for the area, where the average household income within a three-mile radius is approximately $200,000.

According to John Mehigan, a Senior Vice President of California Investments at Regency Centers, this acquisition significantly boosts Regency’s presence in an area characterized by its high household income and demand for quality retail experiences.

The financial structuring of this purchase was methodically executed as part of Regency’s broader capital allocation strategy, which emphasizes earnings growth and quality of assets. The transaction was financed through a combination of operating partnership (OP) units, the assumption of secured mortgage debt, and cash earmarked for settling a prior secured loan. Notably, the assumed mortgage debt has a competitive interest rate of 4.2% and is structured to mature over a term of approximately 12 years.

Further, this acquisition is anticipated to positively influence Regency’s Core Operating Earnings per share for 2025, reaffirming the company’s commitment to enhancing its portfolio amid a competitive retail landscape.

In terms of advisory services for the deal, BofA Securities acted as the financial advisor, while EY provided tax advisory services to the seller. Legal representation for Rancho Mission Viejo LLC was handled by Latham & Watkins, whereas Regal’s legal matters were overseen by Paul Hastings.

Regency Centers aims to leverage this acquisition to not only enhance its market position but also to align itself with the growing needs of the local community, reflected in the portfolio’s focus on essential services and the robust demographic profile of the surrounding area. The deal demonstrates an ongoing trend of significant investments in prime retail locations, particularly in regions with favorable economic indicators such as high household incomes.

This strategic expansion illustrates a continued commitment from Regency Centers to adapt to the evolving retail landscape and cater to the essential needs of the communities they serve.

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Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH

The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH

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