The Community’s Long-Sought Vision

“A vision is a dream about the future shared by the community. It paints a picture of the type of place we want to live, work, and play. Our vision is more than just a description of what we hope to see in North San Rafael. It also describes the legacy we hope to create and defines the way we want to work together to create a more livable community.* *The 1996 Vision Plan for 2010

The community has aspired for 30+ years through the creation of various plans including San Rafael General Plan 2040, to create a vibrant community destination in North San Rafael.

We now have the opportunity to transform the Northgate property into a profitable, sustainable mixed-use commercial/residential development including the following Guiding Principles:

CHARACTER

Create an attractive, welcoming gateway at the Merrydale intersection
Draw people into the Town Square that reflects the culture and values of San Rafael
Reduce the height and size of the apartments along Las Gallinas, relocate some units to the northwest side

COMMUNITY

Outdoor spaces that bring new residents and surrounding neighbors together in a healthy environment
Town Square becomes a civic, social, retail, and recreational activity “go to site” as planned for 30+ years
Amenities such as multi-age play areas, public restrooms, retail, a grocery store, and restaurants

CoNNECTIVITY

Create a coordinated transportation hub near the Merrydale gateway
Encourage all modes of transportation that are safe for pedestrians and bicycles in the Town Square area
Encircle the entire mall property with the North San Rafael Promenade and extend it to and from the Town Square and SMART Station

RGM supports Northgate to become a welcoming exciting destination and has created the following alternatives to the developer’s latest proposal. View Merlone Geier’s proposal here.

RGM’s alternative design proposal

RGM presented the following design (which is bulleted and pictured below) to the developer and the City staff. Unfortunately it was disregarded.

RGM’s Alternative Design:

Concentrate taller buildings towards the center of the project to reduce visual oppressiveness and weighty feeling of the 6 and 7-story buildings

Create an inviting grand entrance at Merrydale into the Northgate Town Square
- Complimented by a library/community center or another amenity on one side and
- A 21st-century mini transit hub on the other