Former Seminary Redevelopment Clears Key Hurdle In Marin, Construction Still Months Away

MARIN COUNTY, CA — The redevelopment of the former Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary property in Strawberry has entered its next phase after the Marin County Board of Supervisors approved key land use entitlements earlier this month, though construction is not expected to begin anytime soon.

County officials said the June 9 vote allows the project to move forward but does not authorize immediate construction. Before building permits can be issued, the developer must complete additional planning, obtain permits, coordinate with agencies and satisfy numerous conditions of approval.

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The proposal by North Coast Land Holdings LLC would transform the longtime seminary campus into a mixed-use residential community with 337 housing units, including 184 new homes, replacement of 139 existing units and retention of 13 residences.

The project would create 859 bedrooms, including 70 below-market-rate homes, along with a senior care facility, fitness center and preschool.

The proposal drew years of debate over traffic, wildfire evacuation, neighborhood impacts and housing needs. The project was scaled back from earlier concepts and includes new conditions negotiated with neighbors, including limits on future enrollment and commuter traffic associated with the property's continuing academic use.

"This decision moves the project into its next stage, but it does not close the conversation," said Sarah Jones, Community Development Agency director. "Public input helped clarify the issues before the County and shaped key conditions of approval, including traffic, safety, construction, access, and coordination."

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County staff will now review detailed construction, grading and excavation plans to ensure they comply with local, state and federal requirements before permits can be issued.

Officials also said the developer must prepare a construction management plan addressing project phasing, timelines and measures to reduce neighborhood impacts. Additional public outreach will take place as that plan is developed.

Other issues still to be addressed include potential intersection safety improvements, relocation information for existing residents living on the property and construction scheduling.

The Board of Supervisors approved the project after concluding it would help address Marin County's housing shortage while incorporating changes intended to reduce impacts on surrounding neighborhoods. Supervisors also adopted findings that the project complies with the county's Housing Element and state housing laws.

The county said it is updating the project's webpage to include approved documents, conditions of approval, future milestones and opportunities for public participation as the redevelopment advances.