A rendering of the proposal for Northgate.
The re-envisioning of the Northgate mall property in San Rafael took a step closer to reality this week when the San Rafael City Council unanimously approved a development proposal featuring 1,422 residences, plus shops, restaurants and a new movie complex to replace the mall’s recently closed Cinemark theater.
In certifying an environmental impact report (EIR) on the project, the council gave the green light for property owners Merlone Geier Partners to proceed with the redevelopment, which has been years in the planning stages. Merlone Geier spokesperson Ross Guehring described what’s been dubbed Northgate Town Square as a “once-in-a-generation project” at the Dec. 2 council meeting.
Detractors of the project have cited its size and traffic impact in their opposition. Included in the makeover will be six residential sections, with 143 affordable apartments spread throughout, with buildings ranging from two to seven stories.
Merlone Geier Partners, a San Francisco-based developer which has owned Northgate since 2017, expects to start demolition of current mall facilities by early summer.
