Southfield  | Victor Gruen | Date: 1952-54

Advocacy work: A comprehensive report detailing the historical features of the Northland Center, including describing the history and present conditions of the closed mall. 

Northland Center opened in 1954. At the time, it was the largest shopping mall in the world. Its importance can’t be brushed aside as it paved the way for the city of Southfield as a major commercial, business and residential area in Metro Detroit. 

It was shuttered in 2015. It was then acquired by the city of Southfield.

Plans for a $403 million project are underway to partially demolish and redevelop the Northland Center mall site into a new structure. The proposal suggests to accommodate 1,500 residences for middle-income renters and is expected to be one of the largest developments of its kind in recent years. The development firm is in the process of moving forward after receiving key state approvals for public subsidies.

We will continue with updates on its progress.