Many new changes are being announced that are significantly affecting residents; from new museums to new exhibitions, many different types of amenities are coming to the city. The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum and T&T grocery store were recently announced to open soon in Irvine. Furthermore, UC Irvine and Portola High have each received notable awards and accolades.
Firstly, the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum has moved from the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar to the Orange County Great Park. Since then, MCAS has continued to transport historical aircraft from Miramar to the relocated museum, the only museum dedicated to planes and aviation belonging to the U.S Marine Corps, according to the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum.
The museum has recently compiled four aircrafts: an F2H Banshee, an F4D Skyray, an F3D-2 Skyknight and a DC-3. The museum is set to officially reopen in 2026 at the Cultural Terrace, a section in the heart of Great Park currently undergoing major development as a recreational space. When completed, the museum will feature indoor and outdoor exhibits, educational programming, and interactive displays designed to engage visitors of all ages.
Additionally, Canadian-based Asian grocery store T&T is preparing to open its first Southern California location in Irvine in late 2026 or 2027. The supermarket will be located at the Canopy at Great Park, a planned new shopping development center near the Great Park neighborhood, according to LA Eater.
The supermarket will sell a wide range of Asian foods, ranging from imported snacks to a hot bar with selections including barbecue pork, dim sum and crispy fried chicken. The grocery store is most well-known for its seafood selection, which features live crabs and sashimi-grade fish. T&T also boasts a bakery section where customers will be able to purchase made-to-order Asian street foods, according to LA Eater.
Furthermore, UC Irvine was recently awarded both the Research 1 and Opportunity College and University designations in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications on April 24.
The Carnegie Classifications recognize colleges and universities based on several criteria, focusing on research activity, degree offerings and institutional missions. This award makes UC Irvine one of three in the Association of American Universities to achieve both honors, according to UC Irvine Digest.
Finally, Portola High was honored as a 2025 California Green Ribbon School on April 24, receiving silver-level recognition from the California Department of Education. This award specifically acknowledges the school’s use of water-efficient landscaping and infrastructure designed to reduce energy use and environmental impact, according to IUSD.org. Additionally, students engage in sustainability through a diverse curriculum that includes courses in environmental science as well as environmentally focused clubs.
“I believe protecting the environment is one of the most important responsibilities we have, and I’m proud that our school is taking real steps toward change,” Environmental Club member and sophomore Anusha Jauhri said. “Our commitment to protecting the planet extends beyond just the school, and we work hard to spread our message.”
Irvine’s recent developments are part of a journey towards achieving a more dynamic future for the city, bringing with it exploration, cultural growth, educational excellence and environmental leadership.
