Two big infrastructure and development updates are making waves across Marin County this week, touching residents from Novato to Greenbrae. In Novato, the City Council just approved a major investment to repair and upgrade the community center at the Marin Valley Mobile Country Club—finally tackling those long-standing roof and heating headaches.
Meanwhile, over in Greenbrae’s La Cuesta Drive neighborhood, the Larkspur Planning Commission gave the green light to a dramatic residential project. The plan will swap out an existing home and pool for a larger, modern residence with an accessory dwelling unit.
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Novato Commits to Community Center Repairs
Right in the heart of Novato, the Marin Valley Mobile Country Club serves as a key gathering spot. The city-owned community center has struggled for years with roof leaks and inefficient heating and cooling systems, much to the frustration of folks who rely on it for everything from meetings to recreational programs.
At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, members unanimously voted to approve a $446,000 contract to tackle these issues. After looking over four bids, Diablo Roofing Inc. and Waterproofing of Oakland came in with the lowest price, which sealed the deal for them.
Construction Timeline and Scope
City staff say repairs will kick off in the spring and should take about 45 days. Residents who’ve put up with water damage during storms and unreliable HVAC during heat waves are likely breathing a sigh of relief.
The project zeroes in on two main fixes:
- Swapping out the old, leaky roof to prevent future problems
- Upgrading the HVAC system for steady, year-round comfort
With these improvements, Novato officials aim to keep the community center going strong and make it safer and more comfortable for people from neighborhoods like Hamilton, San Marin, and Downtown Novato.
Greenbrae Sees Major Home Redevelopment
While Novato focuses on preserving a public space, Greenbrae’s gearing up for a big private home transformation. The Larkspur Planning Commission recently signed off on plans to tear down the 3,188-square-foot home at 80 La Cuesta Avenue.
What’s coming next? A 5,600-square-foot modern residence and a brand new swimming pool. The design also includes a lower-level accessory dwelling unit (ADU), which fits with Marin County’s push for more flexible housing—think extended family, caregivers, or maybe even a rental.
Special Approval Requirements and Details
This project needed a variance to let the garage push into the 15-foot front setback. The commission only grants variances when proposals meet certain planning criteria, and in this case, they decided the setback tweak wouldn’t harm the neighborhood vibe or block pedestrian access.
Neighbors got a chance to weigh in at a public hearing. Some wanted to keep the scale of homes as-is, while others liked the fresh look and possible boost to property values that new architecture might bring to Greenbrae.
Impact Across Marin County
Novato’s community center upgrade shows the city’s commitment to civic spaces, especially for seniors and longtime residents who count on them every day.
Greenbrae’s redevelopment points to a bigger trend across towns like Mill Valley, San Rafael, and Corte Madera—modernizing homes and adding accessory units to meet changing needs.
Looking Ahead
Residents are going to watch closely as construction crews from Oakland bring new life to Novato’s community center this spring. It’s hard not to feel a bit of anticipation.
Meanwhile, Greenbrae’s La Cuesta Avenue redevelopment stands as another example of how Marin County manages to blend tradition with modern comfort. The next few months should bring some pretty visible changes—both in the spaces where people gather and in the homes where they live.
For locals, these projects feel like more than just construction. They’re investments in quality of life and neighborhood vitality, adding to that enduring character that makes places like Novato and Greenbrae unique.
Here is the source article for this story: In Your Town for Oct. 30, 2025
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