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For many in metro Detroit, Northland mall was a prime destination for holiday shopping. That was then. This is now.
Instead of cars, the parking lot is filled with piles of dirt and rocks as many continue to wonder what's next for the future of the site.
“It would be nice to still have shops you can go to, have an eating area - but outside possibly,” said Gloria Stamps, a Southfield resident.
“It's an ever going process. We just received our final vision plans from our consultant O.H.M. that describes what hopefully will be a mixed use development,” said Al Aceves, Executive Director of Southfield Downtown Development Authority.
The former site of Northland Mall was purchased by the city for $2.4 million after many of the stores shut down and the mall went into receivership.
As city leaders continue to map out the future, Fox 2 got a look at what we could soon see at the site.
“Right in through here we have a water feature with benches and park like features. In through here we have the opportunity for residential development. Back through here – this will be gone. We’ll have some commercial features,” said Aceves.
What about the former Macy's building?
“We want to find out if there is a reuse for the old Macy's building, given the historical significance and how long it’s been around,” said Aceves.
Why do we see piles of dirt and rocks taking over the parking lot?
“That dirt will be used to fill the underground tunnel of Northland, depending on if we decide to erect the tunnel out of the ground. If so, we can use the dirt as fill dirt.”
Officials say they are in the process of studying the plan but are being very cautious about what they decide, because of the magnitude of the project.
“This is the one chance for us to get this section of the city pointed in right direction. That’s why there’s some caution as we move forward. If we do things right, this really could set the city in a good for next 40 years.”
For more information on the redevelopment plan CLICK HERE.