It’s official: Trader Joe’s headed to Medford

November 08, 2011

OK Trader Joe’s fans.

You can go crazy.

Regency Centers made a long-awaited formal announcement this morning, that it will begin construction of rechristened Northgate Marketplace, an 80,900-square-foot neighborhood center anchored by Trader Joe’s and REI.

The former Alba Village site near the Big X — the crossroads of North Pacific Highway and Hwy. 238 — not far from Rogue Valley Mall, is in partnership with Northgate LLC. Regency Centers said the first phase of its first shopping center in Medford will create more than 250 permanent jobs.

Trader Joe’s will open a 13,000-square-foot store and outdoor gear and apparel retailer REI will occupy 23,500 square feet. Presently the closest store for either chain is in Eugene. PETCO will occupy a 12,500-square-foot space, while Ulta, a cosmetics retailer, will open in 10,000 square feet.

The center also includes stand-alone parcel and 21,900 square feet of small shop space.

“We appreciate the support of the City of Medford as we grow our portfolio in the Pacific Northwest,” said Craig Ramey, senior market officer for Regency Centers in a statement. “Northgate Marketplace will have all the key attributes that define a Regency center — strong grocer and junior anchors, a prime location and superior demographics.”

Northgate Marketplace is a phased retail development which, upon completion, will encompass 417,000 square feet on 40 acres and create 1,000 permanent jobs. The first phase includes the 80,900-square-foot center which is 75 percent preleased and will begin construction this week with anchor openings scheduled for the fall of 2012.

Designed by Portland-based Perkowitz+Ruth Architects, the newly developed center will feature a contemporary prairie architectural style using brick, stucco-type finishes and heavy timber accents in an earth-tone color palette.

—Greg Stiles
Mail Tribune