Future plans for abandoned Northgate Mall in Durham

DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — Community members packed the Walltown Recreation Center in Durham Saturday morning.

It was another chance for neighbors to give their opinions on what to do with the abandoned Northgate Mall, as owners, Northwood Retail, plan a massive redevelopment for the 55-acre property.

“We knew we didn’t want to just elevate concerns, but we wanted to be able to cast vision and be able to be part of the solution of what can be developed here,” Brandon Williams told CBS 17.

Williams is a member of the Walltown Community Association, and he is one of the main community liaisons for the Northgate Mall project. Williams said he remembers when the mall was a public space and major neighborhood hub, even once it began bleeding tenants.

“The Durham Arts Council used to have a studio in one of these spaces at the mall. I remember my wife and I, we might have just been dating at the time, came here for a date night and made some little clay pots,” said Williams.

At Saturday’s meeting, Williams told the crowded room that the Walltown community hopes to see a similar neighborhood focus in any development plans.

Most recent plans from Northwood Retail would add 72 apartment units for seniors 55 and older, along with research labs, offices and a grocery store. However, Williams told CBS 17 he believes the plans should go further in ensuring room for the neighborhood, especially housing and green space.

Representatives from Northwood Retail attended Saturday’s meeting to hear more about what the community wants out of the development.

“There’s going to be a bit of friction between maybe what the community broadly, or in that specific area might want, between what the developer or business might feel is feasible or able to be developed,” said Nil Ghosh, an attorney representing Northwood Retail.

City of Durham employees told Saturday’s crowd that while the meeting decisions are not binding, it gives important insight to the city council before Northwood Retail submits its rezoning request.

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