Guide to Northgate Mall

BIGMallrat's Editorial Review

The Northgate Mall in San Rafael is Marin county's only enclosed mall (since the remodel in 1987).

Atmosphere

Northgate Mall has a nice interior and is light and bright. Plenty of skylights let the sunshine in.

Stores

Northgate Mall features two anchors: Macy's and Sears. You can also find a Rite Aid and a 15 screen cinema, which consumes an entire corridor of stores near Sears. Mostly, you'll find the usual gamut of mid-range national retailers.

There are also a number of stores and services on the exterior; not accessible from the enclosed portion of the center.

Food

Most of the eateries are grouped around the entrances near Mervyn's with food court seating. You'll find a standard fare of food and drinks, like Sbarro's Pizzaria and Taco Bell. Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar can be found on the exterior near Macy's.

Location

Northgate Mall is located in San Rafael, CA. From Hwy 101, exit Freitas Parkway/Terra Linda exit. Turn left at the second light to Northgate Drive. (The left lanes actually turn in that direction.)

Renovation plans

Redevelopment has started! All the stores on the east side of the mall between Macy's and Sears are now closed. A fresh and updated shopping center is coming soon.

Mall Stats

Official Site: Northgate Mall

Stores: 100

Type: Regional center

Enclosed: Yes

GLA: 69,124.506 m2 (744,050 sq. ft.)

Levels: 1

Owner: Macerich Company

Management Company: Macerich Company

Year First Opened: 1965

Year Renovated: 1987; Dec. 2008 (Mervyn's closed).

Ratings

Size: Small (-0.5)

Architectural Appearance: Average (-0.5)

Cleanliness: Average (-0.5)

Occupancy: Average (-0.5)

Stores: Mainstream (-0.5)

Store Quality: Average (-0.5)

Parking: Average (-0.5)

Location: Very convenient

Services: Website, security, printed directories, free wheelchair rental, stroller rental ($2.00), information booth, postage services, copy and fax services.

Uniqueness: Run-of-the-mill (-1)

See our rating scheme

Last Updated: June 2008/Minor Mar. 2009

Photographs

View of interior:

View of shops:

View from above shopping center:

View of Macy's exterior:

Layout