Hamilton Place became the city's number one shopping center in the late 80's.
Northgate, built in 1972, became known as the second mall.
CBL bought Northgate last October, which brought a sense of excitement to the northeast business community.
So what are the plans now?
The Hixson council of the Chattanooga area Chamber of Commerce hosted the noon meeting, and the North River Civic center was packed-out. The speakers were two top managers of CBL & Associates, and this was an opportunity to get a glimpse at Northgate's future.
The focus is on big players like Sears, Belk, JC Penny and Carmike theatres.
ALAN LEBOVITZ, V.P. CBL & ASSOCATES "The strength of Northgate are these anchors..and the message today is that these guys are not closing..they're here, they're doing terific business and they ever will be re-investing in their stores."
CBL was founded in Chattanooga in 1978..and now owns 157 properties nationwide.
Northgate..which was acquired for 11 and a half million dollars in October, has had its ups and downs in the last 40 years..including the bankruptcy of parent company GGP in 2009.
Local merchants now hope it will now compete favorably with its big brother in East Brainerd.
KATIE REINSMIDT, V.P. INVESTOR RELATIONS "Whereas Northgate is going to be a community destination..your going to see a different mix of stores...and they all have a unique purpose."
Alan Lebovitz and Katie Reinsmidt say a facelift of Northgate is planned, and that will include more stores having direct access to parking areas.
Northgate has about 800-thousand square feet of indoor space, about 90 percent filled. .
ALAN LEBOVITZ "There's a place for Northgate as being a leader here in this community...that's a goal definitely for our company."
But the CBL leaders point out that it may be a 5-year turnaround at Northgate.
ROB BRADHAM, V.P. GREATER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE "They'll do it on a timetable that makes sense to them...but as far as we're concerned..sooner would be great."
