NewSchool Alumni Lead the Way in Transforming Beaumont’s Retail Landscape

Building a community is about more than steel and stone. It is about creating spaces where people can connect, shop, and feel a sense of belonging. That vision is coming to life in Beaumont, where Regency Centers recently broke ground on Oak Valley Village, a 230,000-square-foot retail development designed to serve a growing community.

Among those celebrating this milestone was Jena Farrell, a proud alumna of NewSchool of Architecture & Design. Her presence reflects the meaningful role NewSchool graduates continue to play in shaping communities beyond the classroom.

A New Retail Destination for a Growing Community

Located at the intersection of Interstate 10 and Oak Valley Parkway, Oak Valley Village is positioned to become a central gathering place for the Inland Empire.

The development will be anchored by Target and Sprouts Farmers Market. These well-known retailers will bring everyday essentials, wellness-focused options, and convenient shopping closer to home. Together with additional retail and dining spaces, the center is designed to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding population.

With more than 96,000 residents living within a five-mile radius, the project responds to a clear need for accessible services and community-centered spaces.

A Shared Effort to Support Beaumont’s Growth

Projects like Oak Valley Village come to life through collaboration. Leaders from the City of Beaumont, including Mayor Mike Lara, Mayor Pro Tem Jessica Voigt, and City Manager Elizabeth Gibbs, worked alongside Regency Centers to help move this vision forward.

The groundbreaking ceremony reflected the community’s excitement and pride. A performance by the Beaumont High School Marching Band brought people together and marked the beginning of something meaningful for the city.

Looking Ahead

Construction is now underway, with the opening of anchor tenants anticipated in the second half of 2027. Once complete, Oak Valley Village will include:

• A 148,000-square-foot Target
• A 23,000-square-foot Sprouts Farmers Market
• More than 34,000 square feet of retail and dining space

The center is expected to become a welcoming place where residents can gather, run daily errands, and spend time together.

From Education to Impact

For NewSchool, moments like this speak to something larger. They reflect how students grow into professionals who contribute thoughtfully to the communities around them. Projects like Oak Valley Village show how design and development can support not just economic growth, but also everyday connection and quality of life.

For more updates on this project and other retail developments, follow Regency Centers on LinkedIn.