Vision: Facts & Figures
Project Scope:
Today, Northgate in San Rafael, Calif., is a traditional, enclosed regional shopping center last remodeled in the 1980s. The strength of its local demographics and ideal setting in affluent Marin County position Northgate for a major renovation to refresh and update the architecture and amenities of this significant property. While preserving this center’s position as the largest, and only enclosed regional shopping center in Marin County, Macerich is creating an exciting new shopping experience.
A central feature of the redevelopment will be striking new windows along the roofline – running the length of the shopping center – to wash the center in natural light. As well, huge, oversized glass doors will open to lush courtyards, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, and providing an exciting new framework for an up-to-the-moment merchandise mix at Northgate.
Architecture and Design:
A series of clever architecture changes will deliver a refreshingly simplified and airy interior for Northgate. While the new clerestory windows will pull the eye upward, retailer spaces will take center stage by expanding inward in the new mall interior, which will be reminiscent of a reclaimed, loft-like industrial building.
Exterior spaces take on new importance at the property. An indoor food court with indoor and outdoor seating near Century Theatres, a new Northern California-style courtyard making the most of a mature olive grove; and new café spaces – all fulfill the promise of Northgate as a modern town center for northern San Rafael.
On the north and east sides of the property will be a new, landscaped Promenade, a multi-modal pedestrian path that will link Northgate with one of the region’s most popular bike paths. This Promenade will serve as the center link and first piece of a long desired pedestrian and bikeway boulevard connecting extensive parks to the west with the Marin Civic Center to the east.
Location:
Situated 20 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Northgate has a premier position alongside Highway 101 in San Rafael.
Size:
Project plans call for approximately 725,000 square feet of leasable area – much the same footprint as the current design.
Developer:
Macerich (NYSE: MAC)
Architect & Design:
505 Design, Boulder, Colo.; Landscape designer is Manuela King, RHAA, Mill Valley, Calif.
Timing:
Local approvals for the project were received in April 2008 and construction began in June 2008. Plans currently call for completion in fall 2009.
Retailers:
Department stores Macy’s and Sears, as well as Century Theatres, will continue to be important anchors for the redeveloped Northgate. Kohl’s will also be joining Northgate and replacing Mervyns which is slated to open in fall 2009. Other retailers, including a range of first-to-market and flagship stores, will complete the merchandise mix. A new food court with indoor and outdoor seating will spill into a landscaped courtyard and new sit-down restaurants and café’s will create exciting gathering places with social patios and courtyards.
About Macerich:
Macerich is a fully integrated self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust, which focuses on the acquisition, leasing, management, development and redevelopment of regional malls throughout the United States. The company is the sole general partner and owns an 85% ownership interest in The Macerich Partnership, L.P. The Macerich Partnership, L.P. now owns approximately 77 million square feet of gross leasable area consisting primarily of interests in 72 regional malls. Additional information about Macerich can be obtained from the Company’s Web site at www.macerich.com.