Good Earth Market to Open at San Rafael Northgate

In Marin County’s Terra Linda neighborhood, Northgate mall’s about to get a serious transformation. The plan? Turn it into Northgate Town Square, a mixed-use hub with shopping, dining, and 1,422 new residences spread across six parcels.

Good Earth Natural Foods will anchor the project. There’s a 57,000-square-foot town square in the works, plus new outdoor spaces and a refreshed corridor that’ll connect San Rafael with towns like Fairfax, San Anselmo, and Larkspur.

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The San Rafael City Council gave the green light in December 2024. They did it after a long stretch of design tweaks and community feedback, with development rolling out in two phases all the way to 2040.

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Northgate Town Square: A New Marin County Hub

Developers will push the west wall out to make a new entrance. Inside, the remodel will echo Good Earth Fairfax’s vibe.

The old Rite Aid at 1500 Northgate Drive will become the anchor market. It’ll grow from 17,340 square feet to about 21,300.

This isn’t just retail. The project aims to bring a bold housing mix that’ll reshape Terra Linda but still keep key local services for San Rafael families and folks from nearby Marin communities.

Key Features and Housing Mix

Here’s what’s at the heart of Northgate Town Square, at least according to developers and local officials. They’re focusing on housing, public space, and amenities that actually matter to Marin residents from Mill Valley to Novato.

1,422 residences across six parcels, designed to weave the Northgate site into the fabric of San Rafael, Fairfax, and San Anselmo.
Phase 1 (through 2029) brings 864 residences in buildings from two to seven stories, aiming for a dense, walkable urban core.
143 affordable apartments and for-sale homes will be spread throughout, not just tucked into one area.
The 57,000-square-foot town square will be the centerpiece, with a gathering spot, playground, dog park, and space for outdoor events, performances, and markets.
Good Earth Natural Foods will expand in the old Rite Aid building at 1500 Northgate Drive, serving the growing neighborhood and beyond.
The old Sears building is coming down, with fencing, sound barriers, and noise monitors going up before work begins.

The two development phases run through 2040. Most housing and commercial buzz will happen in Phase 1.

Timeline, Approvals, and Community Impact

The City Council’s December 2024 approval came after years of design changes and plenty of community input. Terra Linda residents and folks from San Rafael, San Anselmo, and Corte Madera all weighed in.

The addition of a bigger grocer—Good Earth’s third Marin spot—should make a real difference for families commuting from Novato or Mill Valley to the new town center.

What about the Northgate Century Theater and its 45,000-square-foot space? That’s still up in the air. Meanwhile, Merlone Geier Partners is handling the Sears demolition, making sure sound barriers and monitors are in place to keep things tolerable for neighbors and local schools.

Marin community leaders seem pretty optimistic. They see this as a chance to blend new housing with quality shopping and open space—a combo that’s been on a lot of planners’ wish lists from Fairfax’s hills to Sausalito’s shoreline.

Why This Matters to Marin’s Towns

For longtime North San Rafael residents, and for commuters from Tiburon or Corte Madera, Northgate Town Square could end up as a new anchor in the Bay Area’s Bayfront-to-county corridor. The project’s ambitious two-phase plan actually lines up with Marin’s bigger goals: walkable neighborhoods, easier access to groceries, and a mix of housing that supports a more diverse and resilient community.

If things stay on schedule, Terra Linda’s shopping and living scene will change alongside towns like Larkspur and Mill Valley. That could mean Marin County finally starts to feel more connected, not just a bunch of scattered shopping centers.

As Northgate shifts from idea to construction, Marin readers can expect updates on traffic, transit, and neighborhood design. These choices will reflect what matters to San Rafael, Fairfax, and the communities that make up this part of the North Bay.

So, keep an eye out for what’s next as Northgate Town Square starts to take shape. It’s a blend of retail, housing, and public space that just might become a new Marin County landmark.

Here is the source article for this story: Good Earth grocery market to open at San Rafael Northgate site

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Joe Harris is the founder of MarinCountyVisitor.com, a comprehensive online resource inspired by his passion for Marin County's natural beauty, diverse communities, and rich cultural offerings. Combining his love for exploration with his intimate local knowledge, Joe curates an authentic guide to the area featuring guides on Marin County Cities, Things to Do, and Places to Stay. Follow Joe on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.