Durham reveals redevelopment plans for ‘giant’ abandoned Northgate Mall

DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — Plans for the abandoned Northgate Mall in Durham are slowly moving forward.

The defunct mall property takes up almost 60 acres of land, not too far from downtown Durham. Ever since its doors closed for good in 2020 during the pandemic, it still sits almost lifeless.

“Overall, it’s kind of a strange thing to live next to a giant abandoned property,” said Kayla Richardson, who lives right next door to the site, separated only by a row of trees. “I walk my dogs there.”

The city is now releasing a chapter of the Walltown Small Area Plan , which guides how the mall should be redeveloped through policy recommendations.

“It would mean everything to me to live in a place where we can preserve the history of the neighborhood and people can live here who have lived here for a really long time,” Richardson said.

The small area plan highlights the need for affordable housing and affordable retail on the property while stressing walkability.

A recent proposal from the developer Northwood Retail adds 72 affordable apartment units for seniors 55 and older, along with research labs, offices and a grocery store.

“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,” Northwood Retail attorney Nil Ghosh told CBS 17 in late June.

A rezoning request still needs to be approved by the Durham City Council.

“Some people are able to come in and move in, but the neighborhood retains its integrity — that would be really special to live in a place like that,” Richardson said. “And I feel grateful to already be living in Walltown.”

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