The Northgate Shopping Center was constructed in 1956 under the direction of Harry B. Stoner. In 1946, Stoner purchased the land now occupied by Northgate. He shared a vision with the Aurora City Council of redeveloping Lake Street as the "Golden Mile" of Aurora. For this, he was given the moniker, "The Father of Lake Street." The shopping center was part of his vision. According to Stoner, he hoped that it would be a "center for every reason and every season." The shopping center is best known for its 1950s-era, Googie-style sign. It is constructed of metal and features a shooting star motif in the shape of an "S" with the letters "Northgate" set within individual illuminated lightboxes.