Northern Crossing
Northern & 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301
Northern & 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301
Monday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Northern Crossing stands as one of Glendale's most significant retail developments, representing a remarkable transformation from a declining enclosed mall into a thriving modern power center. Located at the highly trafficked intersection of Northern Avenue and 59th Avenue in Glendale, Arizona, this shopping destination has successfully reinvented itself to meet contemporary consumer needs while serving as a major economic engine for the city. With anchor tenants including Walmart Supercenter and Lowe's Home Improvement, alongside a diverse mix of national retailers and dining options, Northern Crossing exemplifies successful retail redevelopment in the evolving Arizona marketplace.
A Story of Transformation and Renewal
The history of Northern Crossing tells a compelling story of urban renewal and adaptive reuse in the retail sector. Originally opened in 1973 as Valley West Mall, this location served as Glendale's first major shopping center and quickly became a cornerstone of the community. The enclosed mall format thrived for nearly two decades, establishing itself as a popular destination for local residents and visitors alike.
However, changing retail patterns and increased competition, particularly from the opening of Arrowhead Towne Center in 1993, led to a gradual decline in the traditional mall format. The property underwent a name change to Manistee Town Center in 1996, but the challenges persisted as anchor tenants departed and foot traffic diminished. By 2000, the decision was made to completely reimagine the space, leading to the closure and eventual demolition of the original mall structure in 2002.
The redevelopment into Northern Crossing represented a forward-thinking approach to retail real estate. The project, developed by The Ellman Companies, transformed the 35.36-acre site into a modern power center format that opened in March 2004. This new configuration proved highly successful, with the center achieving full occupancy and generating significant sales tax revenue for the City of Glendale.
Diverse Retail and Dining Portfolio
Today's Northern Crossing boasts an impressive 477,214 square feet of gross leasable area anchored by two major retail powerhouses. Walmart Supercenter serves as the primary grocery and general merchandise anchor, providing one-stop shopping convenience for daily necessities. Lowe's Home Improvement complements this offering as the home improvement destination, creating a strong foundation for the center's retail mix.
The inline tenant roster reads like a who's who of popular national retailers. Ross Dress for Less offers discounted brand-name clothing and home goods, while PetSmart caters to pet owners throughout the Glendale area. Technology needs are met by Verizon and AT&T stores, ensuring customers have access to the latest mobile devices and services. The automotive sector is represented by Advanced Auto Parts, providing car maintenance supplies and accessories.
Dining options at Northern Crossing cater to various tastes and budgets. Chipotle Mexican Grill brings its popular fast-casual concept to the center, offering fresh, customizable Mexican fare. Golden Corral provides family-style buffet dining for larger groups and special occasions. These dining establishments, combined with other food service options, create a comprehensive shopping and dining experience that encourages extended visits.
Strategic Location Advantages
Northern Crossing's success stems significantly from its exceptional location advantages. Positioned at one of Glendale's busiest intersections, the center benefits from over 60,000 combined vehicle counts per day. This high visibility and accessibility make it a natural stopping point for both planned shopping trips and impulse purchases.
The center's proximity to major transportation corridors enhances its regional draw. Located just off US-60 (Grand Avenue), Northern Crossing provides direct access routes to downtown Phoenix, expanding its market reach beyond immediate Glendale residents. This connectivity is particularly valuable for commuters and visitors traveling through the metropolitan area.
Educational institutions nearby contribute to the center's customer base. Glendale Community College, located approximately one mile north with over 18,100 students, represents a significant demographic that frequents the shopping center for various needs. The presence of this student population helps drive consistent traffic throughout the academic year.
Public transportation accessibility further enhances Northern Crossing's appeal. The Glendale Urban Shuttle (GUS) system provides bus service throughout downtown Glendale and surrounding areas, making the center accessible to residents without personal vehicles. This public transit connectivity aligns with modern urban planning principles that emphasize multimodal transportation options.
The center also features practical amenities that enhance the shopping experience. With 1,028 parking spaces available, visitors rarely encounter parking difficulties even during peak shopping periods. Wheelchair accessibility ensures the center welcomes customers with mobility challenges, while dedicated turn lanes and signalized intersections facilitate safe and efficient traffic flow.
Conclusion
Northern Crossing exemplifies successful retail real estate adaptation in the modern marketplace. Through strategic redevelopment from an outdated mall format to a contemporary power center, this Glendale destination has secured its position as a vital commercial hub. With strong anchor tenants, diverse retail offerings, exceptional location advantages, and thoughtful amenities, Northern Crossing continues to serve the evolving needs of the West Valley community while contributing significantly to Glendale's economic vitality.
