"It would be nice for another shopping center to come big time," said Melinda Wilkins, who lives just across Guess Road and has called the area home for 13 years.
Wilkins remembers when Northgate Mall was a thriving hub in Durham's Trinity Park neighborhood.
"Oh my God, it was like a dream come true for me and my little girl," she said. "She was named 'Sears baby' because we were over there all the time."
Northgate Mall first opened in 1960 and officially shut down in 2020. At the time, owners cited severe financial challenges tied to the COVID-19 pandemic response. The closure left longtime shoppers like Wilkins and her neighbors stunned.
"When the mall left, it was totally disappointing," she said.
In November, mall owner Northwood Investors announced plans to sell a third of the property to Regency Centers. The redevelopment proposal includes six commercial buildings and new retail space, with the site set to be rebranded as "Ellerbe Square."
As part of the project, ABC11 has confirmed that Target plans to open a new store as the anchor tenant. The company said it's excited to bring an easy, affordable, and convenient shopping experience to more Durham customers.
"I'm happy about that because I like Target," Wilkins added.
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Not everyone is convinced the development will succeed long-term.
John Beeker, who works in real estate, says he's watched the neighborhood evolve over the years and agrees that new business is needed.
"I'd love to see something higher-end in this area," Beeker said. "But as long as crime is the way it is, nobody will make it for very long."
There is no timeline yet for when Target could open. ABC11 has reached out to Regency Centers for more details but has not received a response.