Northgate
The Northgate Mall, which opened in 1950, was touted as the first regional shopping center in the county. It spawned a new way of shopping, as well as a neighborhood bearing the same name. Before the mall opened, Northgate was not in the Seattle city limits and was a semi-rural community of scattered homes, large lots, greenhouses, and small farms.
Seattle has designated the neighborhood one of five "urban centers," where they will focus future growth and development efforts. Currently, residents are also actively trying to establish a neighborhood identity – beyond the mall.
Developments in the near future include: building a new library branch, a new community center and a park on Fifth Ave. Additionally, landscaping and improved crossings on Fifth.