Target will anchor major redevelopment of the now-closed Northgate Mall
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Northgate Mall closed in 2020. Photo: Zachery Eanes/Axios
The future redevelopment of the now-closed Northgate Mall in Durham will be anchored by a Target, the retailer and its future landlord Regency Centers told Axios.
Why it matters: The redevelopment of the shuttered mall — located on Club Boulevard between Interstate 85 and downtown Durham — has been contentious in the city, with nearby neighborhoods objecting to previous plans for the property that didn't include affordable housing.
- But the mall, which had a major influence on the area for six decades, has sat empty and languished for more than five years.
Driving the news: Target will ensure that retail, however, continues to play a prominent role at the property once it opens, according to Regency Centers.
- Regency Centers, whose portfolio includes open-air shopping centers such as Village District in Raleigh and Blakeney Town Center in Charlotte, is buying one-third of the Northgate Mall property and is renaming the site Ellerbe Square.
Zoom in: Regency's plans call for demolishing most of the mall, the former movie theater and a parking deck along Gregson Street, and replacing it with new retail space, including 140,000 square feet for Target, and a parking lot.
- A timeline for the redevelopment has not yet been determined, a spokesperson for Regency Centers said.
Between the lines: While Regency's plans for its section of the Northgate Mall property are coming into view, it remains to be seen what happens with the rest of the mall property.
- Northwood Investors, which owns a significant portion of the mall, has not yet revealed its latest plans for the rest of the property. A rezoning request could be needed for that section, unlike the area that will be home to the Target.
- Duke also owns a small section of the mall where the Macy's store used to be.
What they're saying: "Target is planning a new store as an anchor for the project, and we look forward to serving this growing community," a spokesperson for Target said in an email. "As with any development project, final plans remain subject to required approvals, and we will share additional details at the appropriate time."