About Us

Northgate Mall has been a shopping landmark in Durham, N.C. for almost 50 years. Like many other regional malls around the country, Northgate is in a transition mode changing to provide even more variety in merchandise, dining and entertainment. We strive to provide the best possible Customer Service and a pleasant shopping environment for all of our patrons. As we complete our current expansion, Northgate will Turn Shopping Inside Out!

History of Northgate

Originally built in 1960 by W. Kenan Rand Jr., Northgate opened its doors to Durham as a strip center with Colonial Store Supermarket and Roses, a variety store. In 1974, Northgate enclosed the center converting it into the ever popular indoor shopping venue known as the Mall. Anchor stores at that time included Sears and Thalhimers. The supermarket became a Big Star and opened on a new site on Guess Road which was later called "The Shops at Northgate." Many transformations and expansions took place over the years and "The Shops at Northgate" is now the home of anchor stores such as Office Depot, Guitar Center, and C&H Cafeteria. In 1986, another portion of the mall was constructed building an expanded space for Thalhimers along with a new multi level parking deck. 1987 saw yet another area of the Mall built which included the current Food Gallery and lower level Business Center. Hecht's and Hecht's parking deck were built in 1994 along with additional 53,000 square feet of enclosed mall retail space. In 2006, Macy's Department Store purchased Hecht's and currently resides as one of Northgate's primary fashion anchors.

In 2005, Northgate's 45th Birthday was celebrated outdoors in the Plaza area during the multi-million dollar Plaza construction. Currently, Northgate Associates is engaged in active negotiations to lease Plaza space with a variety of fashion, dining, and entertainment prospects.