The long-abandoned Fireman’s Fund office campus in Novato is about to come down. Demolition crews are getting ready to clear the 44-acre site, making space for one of Marin County’s biggest housing projects in years.
Once the dust settles, there could be as many as 1,300 new homes here. The redevelopment sits at the heart of Novato’s updated general plan and plays a big role in meeting the city’s state-mandated housing requirements.
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This project ranges from affordable apartments to hillside homes. It’s set to reshape the landscape west of Highway 101 — maybe even influence how other parts of the county approach housing in the future.
A Transformational Project for Novato
For years, the Fireman’s Fund campus just sat there, a quiet reminder of Novato’s corporate days. Now, with demolition about to begin, the property and Marin County’s housing scene are both turning a page.
Councilmember Mark Milberg called the project “a major milestone” for Novato as it works to meet state housing mandates. The site’s sheer size makes it stand out among North Bay redevelopment opportunities.
San Marin Owner LLC, connected to Bay West Development, bought the property. They’ve worked with city officials to line up the project with zoning and environmental rules.
Building plans aren’t in yet, but the city’s vision for the site is pretty clear at this point.
Meeting Housing Goals Head-On
Novato’s 2024 housing element calls for 2,090 new homes by 2031. This single project could deliver about 62% of that requirement, making it a key piece of the city’s strategy.
Once it’s done, the project will offer a wide mix of housing types for different income levels and lifestyles.
- 130 very-low-income units for those most in need.
- 130 low-income units for working-class families and individuals.
- Up to 240 moderate-income units for middle-income households squeezed by Marin’s high costs.
- Another 40 to 60 accessory dwelling units could come from secondary structures on the property.
From Office Complex to Neighborhood
The change will be dramatic. Demolition crews will take down not just the old office buildings, but also the big parking lots, ornamental landscaping, and even the fake pond.
They’ll work weekdays and Saturdays, but will stop on Sundays and holidays to keep things a bit quieter for the San Marin neighborhood and the rest of Novato.
The vision goes beyond swapping concrete for new construction. By mixing multifloor apartments, townhouses, and hillside homes, developers want to build a vibrant, walkable community.
They’re aiming for easy access to amenities, transit, and open space — not just a place to sleep, but a real neighborhood.
Implications for Marin County’s Housing Landscape
Housing shortages have sparked arguments across Marin, from Sausalito to San Rafael. In places like Corte Madera and Mill Valley, higher-density housing proposals often hit a wall of opposition.
Novato’s decision to take on such a large, mixed-income project might nudge other towns to reconsider their own approaches. Maybe it’ll even inspire bolder moves elsewhere.
It’s also a response to a tough economic truth: without enough affordable and moderate-income housing, Marin’s workforce — teachers, healthcare workers, first responders — often can’t live where they work.
By adding hundreds of attainable units, Novato hopes to make housing more balanced for people up and down the income ladder.
Next Steps in the Redevelopment Journey
Demolition marks the first big milestone. But the actual construction timeline still hinges on when developers submit and secure approvals for their building plans.
Right now, Novato city leaders say they’re committed to keeping things moving. They’re also talking with residents to address concerns about traffic, infrastructure, and environmental impacts.
In Marin’s competitive housing market, you just don’t see projects of this scale very often. Whether you live in Fairfax, Larkspur, or right here in Novato, the Fireman’s Fund transformation is a story to watch.
It’s not just about the size—this project could hint at bigger changes coming for housing in Marin County. Who knows where it’ll lead?
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Here is the source article for this story: Big Marin County office complex to be razed amid plan for thousands of homes
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