Bay Area Housing Transformations: Major Projects Shaping the Future
As the Bay Area grapples with housing shortages and state mandates, several transformative developments are reshaping the region's residential landscape. From San Francisco's ambitious Stonestown project to Marin County's Mallard Pointe, new housing initiatives are making waves in communities large and small.
In this post, we'll explore three of the latest projects that highlight the region's evolving approach to addressing housing needs, community concerns, and environmental challenges.
New Housing Development Approved for 175 Airport Boulevard in Larkfield, Sonoma County
Sonoma County has approved plans for a residential development at 175 Airport Boulevard in Larkfield, bringing 57 homes to a vacant 4.8-acre parcel near Highway 101. Sponsored by Lenox Homes, the project will utilize the State Density Bonus program to increase the number of homes from the base zoning of 43 units. The homes will range from 1,322 to 3,414 square feet and will include both single-family and duet designs, with 12 units designated as affordable for low- and moderate-income households. The development will offer 136 parking spaces, including 100 covered garages, and feature electric vehicle charging options and bicycle storage in each home. Designed by WHA, the architectural styles will include cottage, craftsman, and farmhouse elements. Located in the Larkfield-Wikiup area, which was devastated by the 2017 Tubbs Fire, this project marks a significant step in the ongoing rebuilding and growth of the region.
Stonestown Transformation Approved: Major Residential Development Set for San Francisco's West Side
San Francisco's Board of Supervisors has given the green light to the long-awaited redevelopment of Stonestown Galleria, turning it from a suburban mall into the largest residential project on the city’s west side in over 50 years. The plan includes 3,500 new housing units, 20% of which will be below-market-rate, and spans 30 acres, with a range of buildings from four-story townhomes to 18-story towers. In addition to the housing, the project will include six acres of parks, retail spaces, restaurants, a farmers market plaza, and an underground parking structure. This ambitious project, spearheaded by Brookfield Properties, will be built in phases over the next two decades, marking a significant investment in infrastructure and housing to meet the city's state-mandated housing goals.
Belvedere Approves Mallard Pointe Development, Signaling Shift in Housing Policy
In a landmark decision, the affluent town of Belvedere in Marin County has approved its largest housing development in decades. The City Council voted 3-1 to advance the 40-unit Mallard Pointe project, marking the end of a three-year battle with local opposition. The plan will replace 22 existing homes with 40 new units, part of a broader push to meet state housing requirements. With increasing pressure from state housing laws, this development underscores the changing political landscape in California, as communities across the state face mandates to increase housing density.