Northgate Mall versus University

VillageA comparison of two microenvironments

Let’s go to the mall!Northgate Mall

Assumed to be more OBESOGENIC due to being an an indoor mall, location of the city, and SES in area

Northgate Mall

Northgate Mall

Let’s go to the mall!University Village

Assumed to be LEPTOGENIC due to being an outdoor mall, location of city, and SES in area

University Village

SES StatisticsNorthgate/Maple Leaf

University District

2010 Median Home Price $358,850 $495,0252010 Median Condo Price $162,500 $326,000Owner-occupied Homes (%) 45 15.9Renter-occupied Housing Units (%) 49 77.9Median Age 39 23.7Single/Married/Divorced (%) 45/37/11 76/18/6Under age 12 (%) 5.1 2.5Under 18 (%) 13.1 8.3Number of Restaurants (Seattle Met Editor Picks)

8 36

Diversity (%nonwhite) 33.1 36.2Male/female (%) 48.6/51.4 52.9/47.1Statistics from http://www.seattlemet.com/real-estate/articles/neighborhoods-by-the-numbers/

Physical ActivityNorthgate Mall

People park by store they want to go to if they can, and probably drive to stores across the street. Some stores only have outside access. In winter, people might be more apt to go there and walk (seniors).

Limited stairs, mostly escalators Play area: few people, but more

ethnically diverse; some parents appeared more OW

Finish Line store is here, across street is the Sports Authority

Many teens just hanging out, but most people seem to be on a mission

Physical ActivityUniversity Village

Very spread out lots of walking; being outside makes you feel more active and is more aesthetically pleasing with trees and shrubberies surrounding walkways.

Umbrellas provided to “stay dry while you play”

More access to stairs Play area: thinner parents, many

kids running around, fancy area and many seem to go there just to take their kids

North Face and Eddie Bauer with big billboards of active people exercising

Food SelectionsNorthgate Mall

Mostly fast food and casual dining (e.g. Red Robin, Marconi Grill)

Dessert: Baskin Robbins, Cinnabon, Yummy Crepe, Yo Swirl

Vending machines Kitchen store went out of

business Surrounding area has

McDonalds, many ethnic fast foods, etc

Northgate Mall

Menu from Panda Express Orange Chicken

It is prepared with crispy boneless chicken bites, tossed in the wok with our secret sweet and spicy orange sauce.

Beijing Beef It is prepared with crispy strips of marinated beef, bell peppers

and sliced onions, tossed in the wok with a tangy sweet and spicy sauce.

BBQ Pork We slow roast tender pork in our own Chinese barbecue sauce.

Mixed Vegetables Mixed Veggies is a stir-fry combination of fresh broccoli, zucchini,

carrots, string beans and cabbage. Chicken Egg Roll

Chicken Egg Rolls are prepared with a mixture of cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, green onions and marinated chicken wrapped in a thin wonton wrapper and cooked to a golden brown.

Hot and Sour Soup Hot & Sour Soup is a traditional Chinese soup made with

vegetable stock, eggs, tofu and button mushrooms.

Food SelectionsUniversity Village

More high-end restaurant options: Pallino Pastaria, Piatti Ristorante & Bar, Sonrisa Modern Mex

Few fast food options: Ben & Jerry’s, Jamba Juice, Hot dog stand with $7 organic hot dogs

Upscaled kitchen store to promote cooking Cooking demonstration classes

offered: Rub with Love tasting feat. Tom Douglas’ new Veggie Rub

Surrounding area has less fast food options; McDonalds has more upscale design to match the other buildings

University Village

Menu from World Wrapps

Thai Asian Chicken Salad Mixed field greens and iceberg lettuce tossed with

Thai basil, mint and cilantro topped with grilled chicken breast, cucumbers, toasted almonds, green onions, and sesame seeds with our original sweet and tangy Asian Dressing.

Spicy Tortilla Soup Spicy tortilla soup with vegetables, topped with Jack

Cheese, fat-free sour cream and tortilla chips. Bombay Curry Vegetarian Bowl

Curried potatoes, carrots and onions with chick peas, jasmine rice and our tangy Mango-Tamarind Chutney

Spicy Caribbean Sole Flaky white sole seared with Caribbean seasoning,

avocado, mango salsa, ginger slaw and jasmine rice in a spinach tortilla

Food Selections

Northgate Mall University Village

18

13

8 9

Quick EateriesRestaurant Dining

Food SelectionsNorthgate Mall University Village

69%

31%

Quick EateriesRestaurant Dining

59%

41%

Quick EateriesRestaurant Dining

Food Selections

$

$$

$$$

16

10

0

7

12

3

University Village Northgate Mall

Northgate Mall: Events & Activities

Storytime at Kidgits Club Author Meet & Greet and

Booksignings at B&N Holiday events

Father’s Day Little Prince & Princess Party!

University Village: Events & Activities

Village Playdays Free story time, crafts, and

fun activities Tuesday mornings

Sounds of Summer Concert Series Free music Wednesday

evenings Free Valet Weekends

Busy weekends (e.g. Mother’s Day, UW Commencement, Sidewalk Sale, Father’s Day)

Obesogenic vs Leptogenic Northgate Mall

Obesogenic Fast food More parking; you can park

closer to where you want to go

More desserts and high calorie options even in surrounding areas

Leptogenic Can walk in bad weather Morning walk programs for

seniors to exercise; senior homes nearby

Health care facilities nearby Food court is at one end

Obesogenic vs Leptogenic University Village

Obesogenic Options appear healthier but

it isn’t necessarily nutritious No centralized food court;

food is spread out and is always an option everywhere you go

Not likely to walk around in bad weather

Lots of parking available Valet parking passes are

given out on certain days in the summer.

Leptogenic More walking Outside No fast food right at the mall Bike path goes nearby Burke-Gillman More relaxing environment with

classical music and pleasant surroundings – makes you feel less confined and tempted to consume unhealthy food.

Other activities are offered aside from eating and shopping – concerts and children’s events. Village Play days / Activities from 10-11

am on Tuesdays

Suggestions to improve the environmental barriers to healthful weight management

Northgate Mall Yoga studio in mall Better food choices Healthy food carts Discounts for gym members

University Village Yoga classes in courtyard

area and on-site gym. Healthy, lower calorie

options at every restaurant Tokens for biking or walking Healthy day coupons from

local physicians

Barriers to access healthy food and physical activity

Northgate Mall No healthy options inside

mall Fewer healthy options

nearby Few healthy grocery stores

in the area Surrounding area is

challenging for pedestrians with heavy traffic and walkability

University Village Too much marketing that

makes even unhealthy items seem healthy: GF options and upscale junk food.

Recap of the two malls…

Northgate

Uvillage

Parking /Stair access Play area Sports/outdoor stores Atmosphere Quick eateries to restaurant dining ratio

Fast food access Kitchen store

= leptogenic; = obesogenic

Recap of the two malls…

Northgate Mall

University Village

6 2.5 2 6

Total 2/8 5.5/8

The EndDeeAnna VanReken

April AyersLibby Kimmett

Jenny Chu