ARC-funded planning effort will create a shared vision for transportation, development and economic growth across the Northlake area
The Tucker-Northlake Community Improvement District (CID) is inviting residents and business owners to help shape the future of the Northlake area through the new One Northlake Plan. With support from the Atlanta Regional Commission’s (ARC) Livable Centers Initiative (LCI), the CID is leading an effort to create a more accessible, vibrant, and economically competitive district.
“Northlake is more than a mall. It is a district,” said Matthew Lee, executive director of the Tucker-Northlake CID. “This process is about bringing the entire area together around a shared vision and identifying the improvements and investments that can make Northlake a stronger place to gather, live and do business.”
The plan will coordinate transportation and development strategies covering portions of the City of Tucker and unincorporated DeKalb County to help shape a stronger, more connected future through a shared vision for all of Northlake.
The first community engagement meeting will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Tucker City Hall. An online survey and interactive map are also available at northlakesurvey.com.
More Than a Mall
The Northlake district is served by two exits on I-285 and includes 10 hotels, seven shopping centers, apartment communities, major institutions, and dozens of office properties ranging from one-story office condominiums to multi-story buildings.
The area began developing as a commercial district with the opening of Briarcliff Village in 1964. Following the completion of I-285, Northlake Mall opened in 1971, and the next largest development was Northlake Tower Festival in 1984. Other developments followed, including hotels, restaurants and office buildings.
While each development strengthened the area, the district developed property by property, without a unified plan connecting its destinations. That’s part of what the CID intends to change by including the public’s perspective.
“We are intentionally giving the public an opportunity to step back and see the area as one large space,” Lee said. “Then we can zoom in and ask what should be improved, what is working well and what would encourage people to spend more time here.A clear community vision gives us a stronger voice with government decision-makers and private investors.”
Why Northlake and Why Now?
Several major investments are already positioned to change the area. Emory Healthcare has announced plans to expand its presence at Northlake Mall, more than doubling its current occupancy. With significant funding support from the ARC, the City of Tucker has entered the land-acquisition phase of the 2.8-mile Tucker-Northlake Trail, which will connect the Tucker Town Green in Downtown Tucker with Northlake Mall.
New housing is also underway. Render Tucker, a 312-unit apartment community being developed by Crescent Communities, will include a portion of the future trail on its property. The Summit at Northlake, an 80-unit townhome community by Taylor Morrison, will be located adjacent to the trail and within walking distance of Tucker Meridian shopping center.
The Georgia Department of Transportation’s planned I-285 Eastside Express Lanes project will transform the Northlake Parkway interchange into a full northbound and southbound express-lane interchange. This will enable Tucker to be part of the I-285 Express Lane Transit (ELT) system. ELT is intended to operate across the top end of I-285 from I-20 on the west to I-20 on the east.
With Northlake at the midway point between the Doraville and Indian Creek MARTA rail stations, direct nonstop ELT access between them along I-285 will expand access to employment and recreation opportunities. ELT will provide direct access to the Dunwoody MARTA station and trips to the Battery and Truist Park.
“Everything starts with transportation,” Lee said. “The easier it is to reach a place, move around it and cross the street safely, the more likely people are to visit and stay. The challenge is connecting individual projects so they work together as part of a lasting destination. That does not happen by accident.”
The One Northlake Plan will evaluate how these and other investments can be coordinated while addressing gaps in connectivity. It will also include a market study to better understand what the Northlake area can support, what may be missing and what changes could attract additional businesses, customers and private investment.
“Northlake is in a Goldilocks zone,” Lee said. “The location, existing properties, surrounding neighborhoods, local partnerships and economic opportunities are coming together at the right time. We have an opportunity to build on what is already here and create something of regional significance.”
Creating One Vision for Northlake
The planning process will explore opportunities to improve pedestrian safety, connect neighborhoods with businesses and destinations, support reinvestment in commercial properties and establish a more recognizable identity for the Northlake district.
It will also examine opportunities for greenspace and gathering places in an area that was largely designed during an auto-oriented period.
The Tucker-Northlake CID is working with Kimley-Horn to lead the planning and community engagement process.
“I am thrilled to be part of this transformative planning effort for an area that has experienced significant change and new investment,” said project manager Deanna Murphy. “Having worked on planning initiatives in Tucker and Northlake for more than a decade, I have seen the area’s evolution and tremendous potential. I am excited to help create a vision that builds on that momentum and provides lasting benefits for residents, businesses and visitors.”
The ARC awarded the Tucker-Northlake CID a $160,000 Livable Centers Initiative grant in 2025. The grant covers 80 percent of eligible planning costs, with the CID providing the required 20 percent local match, bringing the total planning investment to $200,000.
Additional meetings and opportunities to participate will be announced as the planning process moves forward. The completed plan is expected to be presented for adoption by Dekalb County and the City of Tucker in early 2027. For more information, visit onenorthlake.com.
Community Meeting
Thursday, August 13, 2026
6:00–7:30 p.m.
Tucker City Hall
1975 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 350
Tucker, GA 30084
Residents, employees, business owners, property owners and others who use the Northlake area can also participate through the online survey and interactive map at northlakesurvey.com.