We didnt want to go through a plan and then have to redo it.. This Study Session is an opportunity for early Planning Commission and Design Review Board project feedback on land use and design and allows early opportunity for public input. Some commenters, like Terra Linda resident Claire Halenbeck, said they want the central plaza to be built sooner than 2040. Northgate 5800 Northgate Mall San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 479-5956. Live verbal commenting will be available during the session. Live verbal commenting will be available during the session. Information. Minted, an online marketplace and platform for independent artists and designers, is cutting six jobs at a Hayward manufacturing plant that will be closed down. Grace Geraghty, co-founder and longtime North San Rafael resident, said Costco had been very unpopular because of fear that it would clog the streets with cars and hurt air quality in the area. The Planning Commission meeting on the Conceptual application is scheduled for October 15, 2019. Enclosed malls have been shuttered for extended periods during the coronavirus pandemic that began in March 2020. The Mall at Northgate San Rafael, California . (Provided by Merlone Geier Partners), Northgate shopping mall in San Rafael on Thursday, March 17, 2022. Get hot deals, the inside scoop and special promotions all available through our exclusive profiles. Phase 2 (also referred to as the 2040 Vision Plan) would generally include the demolition of the Macys and Kohls buildings and the construction of 430 residential units. (Sherry LaVars/Marin Independent Journal). San Rafael officials are reviewing Merlone Geiers application for completeness, according to Community Development Director Paul Jensen. For more than an hour, community members got the chance to describe their concerns about the project. But Jenny Silva said, We need to be able to grow higher. The company warned that the job cuts could occur throughout 2023, depending on demand for warehouse and shipping work at the Port of Oakland. Planning Commissioner Jon Previtali asked how the developer will make sure there is sufficient water for the project. Photos outside of town are hard to find (at least in digital archives), but pics of a few stagecoaches follow. J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. It was managed by The Macerich Company until 2017 and is now managed by Merlone Geier Partners. Temporary move: 6000 Northgate Dr, San Rafael, CA 94903. The City'sPlanning Commission (PC) reviewed the preliminary application onTuesday, October 15, 2019andprovided the following comments: The DRB reviewed the conceptual design onTuesday, October 22, 2019. The redesigned town square would be approximately 50,000 square feet with space for gatherings, outdoor concerts and movies, and a flex space for special events. Merlone Geier Partners, a real estate investment firm that bought the mall in 2017, is proposing to build 1,345 housing units and a town center for the Terra Linda neighborhood. Two years after the owner of Marin Countys only enclosed shopping mall announced plans to build the largest Costco in the United States a 180,000-square-foot store with 30 gas pumps that would have been dwarfed only by the chains outlets in Mexico and Japan the developer has decided to scrap the warehouse retailer in favor of a residential development with a new town center. There are some significant changes to the project based on feedback that the applicant team received from the community, meaning the public, and decision-makers, the boards and commissions and staff, Mendez said. The first phase also calls for building four apartment buildings on the southern and eastern edges of the property with a combined 896 residences. The next steps, should Costco choose to purse this project, are is listed below in the Frequently Asked Questions section. Housing is key to spurring a resurgence of retail activity, because living spaces are used daily, and having markets and fast-casual dining next door will generate more trips to the retail areas, Logan said. [4] Renovation[edit] Macerich began renovating the mall in 2008. The new cinema would reach 65,000 square feet and include an IMAX theater. Early last month, Bloomberg reported that Bay Area-based Impossible Foods planned to lay off 20% of its staff. The project includes two construction phases. According to its website it's one of the. The purpose is for the City through a public process to provide preliminary feedback on the proposed design direction. (Provided by City of San Rafael), Artist's rendering for proposed development at Northgate Mall shows a residential parcel along Northgate Drive. What: Costco San Rafael - Community Open Houses When: Open House #1 - Wednesday, Sept. 25; 4:00 to 7:00pm Open House #2 - Thursday, Sept. 26; 5:00 to 8:00pm Where: Northgate Mall - Eastern Common Area (Entrance Next to H&M) 5800. I was really heartened to see that Merlone Geier did listen to the community at large, Geraghty said. The Pre Application process has been completed. Other highlights of the revision include solar power: all residential buildings would be 100% electric. Register to attend at FutureNorthgateMall.com. The Citys current General Plan identifies LOS standards for both AM (weekdays 7-9am) and PM peak hours (weekdays 4-6pm). But they long-term leaseholds and no intention of their going away. The town square will serve as the heart of the project by creating a one-of-a-kind destination in Marin County that attracts residents and new retailers to revitalize Northgate, said Stephen Logan, vice president of development at Merlone Geier. Northgate Mallis a shopping mall located in the Terra Lindaneighborhood of San Rafael, California, 15 miles (24 km) north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Another phase would not take place until 2040. The city staff has 30 days to review the plans to determine whether additional information or revisions are needed, Mendez said. A copy of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act document filed by the chain Feb. 10 revealed that BJs will be offering all affected team members transfers to other Company restaurants.. (Sherry LaVars/Marin Independent Journal), The former Sears store at Northgate Mall and surrounding area is seen in San Rafael on Thursday, March 11, 2021. Whats important is that the experience of living be the same. In San Francisco, the owner of the Stonestown Galleria is planning on building several thousand housing units on surface parking lots. At the end of the day, we wanted to have a true mixed-use project, and we didnt think a Costco would be conducive for that, he said. Elsewhere in the Bay Area, a handful of tech companies planned to eliminate a combined 163 jobs affecting workers in Santa Clara, Redwood City, San Francisco and Hayward. Northgate gives you what you want, the way you want it. Marin County mall could be converted into 1,345 housing units, movie theater. Enough to shut down every resort. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. You may also contact the OPR via email at state.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 445-0613. Thats what the retailers want these days, is exterior access, said Stephen Logan, vice president for development in Merlone Geiers San Diego office. During the pandemic, we found out very quickly that tenants with exterior-facing entrances survived and thrived better in this environment.. (Provided by Merlone Geier Partners), The Northgate shopping mall in San Rafael, Calif. on Thursday, March 17, 2022. The Pre Application process allows an applicant to receive: 1) preliminary feedback from the City, including code requirements, 2) capacity review from utility providers, and 3) roadmap for any subsequent permits or processes required by the City to process the formal application. Northgate gives you what you want, the way you want it. For more information Click HERE. What is the next step in the process for the project? She also hoped that a grocery store would be included, and that there would be more integration of affordable residences throughout the complex. New plan for San Rafaels Northgate mall: 1,356, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), New plan for San Rafaels Northgate mall: 1,356 apartments, no Costco, San Rafael council candidates frame visions for Northgate, housing, Dick Spotswood: San Rafael keeps eye on Northgate as possible priority development area, Marin Voice: Northgate needs a comprehensive mixed-use plan, Marin Municipal Water District selects strategy for new water supplies, Marin company proposes housing projects in South Bay, Rain and cold return to Marin County this weekend, Marin education panel opposes Novato charter school, Marin DA's office hit with racial discrimination claims, Drought is now over in more than half of California, including the Bay Area, feds say, Former San Quentin guard sentenced for cellphone smuggling, Novato City Council approves theater sale agreement, San Rafael workplace murder suspect convicted, Santa Rosa high school student stabbed to death in classroom, California extends Bay Area tax deadlines to match IRS, Novato police arrest burglary suspect after scuffle, San Rafael still lagging on prior housing quota, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. The Northgate Mall Redevelopment project proposes a comprehensive redevelopment of the existing mall into an open-air "main street experience," surrounded by mixed-use development of retail and up to 1,422 residences. SFGATE reached out to BJs for comments but did not hear back by publication. The first is scheduled for 6 p.m. on March 30 and the second for 6 p.m. on April 20. The second phase calls for building two five-story apartment buildings with a combined 460 residences. Email her at Susana.Guerrero@sfgate.com, BJs Restaurant to permanently close Bay Area mall location, Horoscope for Friday, 3/03/23 by Christopher Renstrom, Wife of Jeffrey Vandergrift issues somber update, No seriously, dont drive up to Tahoe this weekend, The best fried chicken is at a San Francisco strip club, Scream publicity stunt floods Bay Area dispatch with 911 calls, Snowboarder dies at Tahoe ski resort following historic blizzard, Arrest in killing of woman seen running through Tahoe campground, Rain reenters Bay Area forecast: Have an umbrella near you, The Warriors broke Russell Westbrook, just like old times, Mochi muffin bakery closes SF cafe after just 4 months, Two more Shake Shack restaurants head to the Bay Area, Father and two girls stranded in snowstorm for 13 hours, New report shows thousands of workers have left downtown SF, Bald eagles nesting at Bay Area golf course could lay eggs 'any day now', How much snow did Tahoe get? Northgate is in the Terra Linda neighborhood of San Rafael, a district of Mid-Century architecture that includes 900 homes built by Joseph Eichler, the California modernist known for glass. Carney said the advocacy group hopes the town square space could be larger and replace some of the parking. The spacious San Rafael restaurant, located at #159 of the mall at 5800 Northgate Dr., features 50-foot-high dining room ceilings and patio seating. The traffic study will be reviewed by the Citys traffic engineer, along with a 3rd party traffic engineer hired by the City. At this point, the decision to pursue the project is for Costco/Northgate Mall to make and if they do, if and how they want propose the revise the plans. Get Directions. . The traffic study will evaluate existing traffic conditions, along with previously approved, but not yet built projects, including the recently approved Northgate Walk and other approved, but not yet built projects in North San Rafael. What applications have been filed and how/when will those be reviewed? (Provided by City of San Rafael), A woman carries a pizza from the food court at the Northgate Mall in San Rafael on Friday, March 12, 2021. Under the new plan, it would have 2,311 parking spaces, including 1,789 public spaces not reserved for the apartment buildings. Specialties: With its scenic splendor, unique cultural attractions and events, and close proximity to San Francisco, Marin County is both a "must-see" West Coast destination and a renowned bedroom community for the Bay Area's most affluent residents. For more information, please see our Jessuina Prez-Tern of the Marin Environmental Housing Collaborative said the project must move forward to help San Rafael approach goals for housing. At this point, a Major Design Review Permit, Master Use Permit amendment and Sign Program amendment would be required. Regular Bank Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Pacific Time . The project would be surrounded by stores, restaurants and a remodeled IMAX Century Theater. Specials Shop Gift Cards Salon Locations Services FAQs News Home Login Account. In an email to submitted to the city, Laura Silverman, a member of Responsible Growth in Marin, wrote, Why should residents in San Rafael have to travel outside of their own community to participate in the benefits of a town center when we have the perfect opportunity to create something in our own backyard?, Design Review Board member Sharon Kovalsky said, The heart of the project is the town center square. Conceptual Design Review involves a public meeting with the DRB. While the details may change with community and city input, the propertys future has been guided by lessons from the challenges for malls in recent years and the constraints of the pandemic in the past 12 months. Northgate will not have an office component, but people migrating from workign from home or a remote location will be able to go to pool decks, fitness areas and outdoor spaces, Logan said. View Dining Options Vegetation on the site consists of ornamental landscaping, including landscaped strips along the boundaries of the site that contain street trees and shrubs, planters with trees within the surface parking lot, and some mature trees located adjacent to the existing buildings. NORTHGATE MALL - Northgate Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903; Request Photos or Floorplans. We see a lot that we like. A developer has revised its proposal to overhaul the Northgate mall property in San Rafael, adding townhomes for sale and other features. This content is for decoration only skip decoration. The development of the new Northgate Mall is a long-range . Eliminate tall wall sections by Increasing articulation along all or portions of all elevations, particularly along the south and north elevations. Retail as an enclosed mall is dead, Logan said. The appropriateness of a gas station and evaluation of any potential impacts will be considered through the public review process. The plan also includes a fenced dog park, a childrens nature playground and other amenities. A rendering of the proposed redevelopment of the Northgate shopping mall in San Rafael. It closed in January 2020. Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, CA 94903. In addition, the City will review the project for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and determine if the project is exempt from CEQA or prepare an Initial Study and Negative Declaration, mitigated Declaration or Environmental Impact Report (EIR). San Marcos Pass, c1885 (with thanks to u/DaBooch425 for the request!). At this point, we will not update this site, until we receive a formal application, or indication that one will be filed. If you have any questions, please call 415-485-3051 for more information. Geraghty said that the mall was a regional attraction when it opened in the 1960s, at a time when malls were a novelty and a destination. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The project site is located west of US Highway 101 (US 101), in the City of San Rafael, Marin County. With malls struggling across the country, property owners are increasingly looking at housing as both an alternative to brick-and-mortar retail but also a way to create a built-in customer base for future shopkeepers and restaurateurs. Costco and Northgate Mall hosting a community open house on September 25 and September 26, About the Costco Pre Application and Conceptual Design Review, About the Community Development Review Process (Costco Project), Costco Wholesale Corporation, Michael Okuma, No PC support for gas component of the project (unanimous), Really need a master plan to understand what is planned for rest of mall, how this project would impact that and what that would do to housing potential, Confirmed the main Costco retail use and tire center are consistent with the current Master Use Permit, but not as designed (lack of integration with mall, circulation issues, height/bulk/mass), Need for data to support the benefits to the community and support claims that Costco will bring shoppers to mall, Concern with the increased height (Exception findings) more than current Sear footprint which results in bulk and mass coming so close to Northgate Dr, Need for better integration of the Costco with rest of Mall, Concern with on-site circulation access as noted by staff. The draft environmental impact report is expected to be scheduled for a Planning Commission hearing in August. We look forward to you joining us on Tuesday, September 14th at 7 p.m.! But they'll cost you, Fight at high school basketball game in S.F. So, there is no further action on the part of the city, unless we receive a formal application. Location. Las Gallinas Avenue would be lined with new restaurants and stores. The mall, which originally opened in 1965, is generally oriented on a north-south axis, with the main building located in the center of the project site surrounded by surface parking and standalone buildings and structures. Making the height Exception findings will be difficult. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. We look forward to you joining us on Tuesday, September 14th at 7 p.m.! For more information Click. Among the announced layoffs was BJ's Restaurants, which said it would close the San Rafael location at Northgate mall on April 12. The company said it is offering transfers to all affected . No upcoming events. Retail. To obtain an attachment in a different format, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. The acceptance of in-lieu fees as a substitute for actual affordable housing getting built is counterproductive to fulfilling this great need at this time.. What we have consistently heard from residents is to make the town square and its integrated community amenities happen at the start of the redevelopment, he said. The popular clothing store Forever 21 is reportedly closing its location in Northgate Mall in San Rafael, California. The second phase also calls for building two five-story apartment buildings with a combined 460 residences. The Chico State graduate is passionate about being outdoors, cooking, creative writing and community-focused journalism and resilience. (Provided by City of San Rafael), Artist's rendering for proposed development at Northgate Mall shows a market and residential units. Situated 20 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Northgate Mall today features an anchor lineup, a Century Theatres, a variety of specialty stores, services and restaurants. The project calls for 96 affordable residences along with structure and surface parking. This content is for decoration only skip decoration. Merlone Geier Partners, a real estate investment firm based in San Francisco, is seeking to build 1,320 new residences on the 45-acre site in Terra Linda. The planners of the Northgate mall redevelopment in San Rafael have been sent back to the drawing board over concerns of density, parking and overall site layout. Jeff Quackenbush covers wine, construction and real estate. Hanson previously covered city government politics, homelessness and housing and environmental issues at the Chico Enterprise-Record. San Rafael's Northgate Mall makeover vision includes nearly 1,400 apartments, smaller tenant spaces. Open Menu Close Menu. Futurewei Technologies, a unit of China-based Huawei, is cutting 43 jobs in Santa Clara. Northgate will offer all-new shopping offerings from boutique to national brands with a transition to an all-outdoor shopping, dining, entertainment and lifestyle destination, with walking paths and gathering spaces connecting all areas. Andy Neff, a representative for Merlone Geier, confirmed that. They would replace the originally planned 309 apartments that would have been on the southern parcel. The Citys Design Review Board and Planning Commission will hold public hearings on any formal applications filed. He also writes the weekly business column Movers & Shakers, which appears in Friday's paper. Stephen Logan, vice president of development for Merlone Geier Partners, said that the pandemic gave the owner a chance to re-evaluate options for the 43-acre site in North San Rafael. in journalism from USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and earned a B.A. If you have questions or comments about this project, please submit them in advanceto Project Planner. Map Unavailable Upcoming Events; No events in this location; Helpful; Share. Heres where California reservoir levels stand after this weeks rains. The plan comes at a time when San Rafael will have to triple its housing production to comply with the state Regional Housing Needs Allocation numbers. The project would also include a 9,000-square-foot bicycle center with a repair shop, bike parking and other features. Why are other locations not being considered (near Target or the former Orchard Supply Hardware)? A developer seeks to build 1,345 units of housing at Northgate Mall in San Rafael. A new plan to redevelop the Northgate mall in San Rafael calls for building 1,356 apartments, transforming the shopping center into an open-air complex and scrapping a proposal for a Costco store that drew backlash from neighbors. Merlone Geier hopes to revitalize the mall by building housing on the site, said David Geiser, the companys managing director. ion. Privacy Policy.