La Colmena celebrates its grand opening

What began as a grassroots vision has since blossomed into a symbol of community-driven development in Santa Ana.

La Colmena, the city’s first community land trust, officially opened its doors in early April 2025, creating a space where residents feel empowered to shape their neighborhood’s future.

Led by THRIVE Santa Ana, La Colmena is more than just a business hub. It’s an example of what’s possible when land is stewarded with the community, not just for it. Through a 99-year lease secured from the City of Santa Ana in 2020, THRIVE laid the foundation for a unique, resident-led space housing three cooperatives: La Milpa Café, SALSA, and Duugich Art.

“We work in a horizontal structure where we’re all equal worker/owners, so we all make our decisions, financial decisions, as a cooperative together,” says Ivan Flores, worker/owner of SALSA.

In May 2023, La Colmena was selected as a pilot project under California Jobs First and received $3.8 million, allowing THRIVE to replace a construction loan and further invest in affordability for the cooperative businesses and residents.

From the beginning, THRIVE has made an effort to involve community members throughout the process, wanting this to be a participatory and inclusive process where residents feel connected, and the space truly meets the needs of the neighborhood.

And the benefits are already being felt. The grand opening welcomed over 500 attendees, taking time to intentionally recognize those who have been a part of the program since the beginning. With city officials alongside laughing children, the promise for a future where this space could be the first of many felt palpable.

Residents now not only have a place to access healthy food, meet for coffee and browse the open-air market, Mercadito Carrusel, but also gather for birthday parties, plan fundraisers and enjoy community-centered events.

As La Colmena continues to grow, it serves as an example of what’s possible when neighbors help shape their communities. With dreams of expanding into additional cooperative spaces and permanent affordable housing, La Colmena will continue to pave the way for generations to come.

Willie Rudman
Deputy Director of Communications
Email, HERE