San Rafael’s planning commission is facing a significant decision on Tuesday, with two major downtown apartment projects on the 7 PM agenda that, together, would add roughly 319 units and alter a slice of the city’s skyline. Both proposals originate from the same Marin-based developer and have already garnered support from business interests and criticism from preservation advocates, setting the stage for a classic San Rafael tug-of-war between state housing mandates and neighborhood character.
According to the Marin Independent Journal, commissioners are set to review a 13-story proposal at 1248 Fifth Avenue and an eight-story, 131-unit project at 900 A Street. The paper reports that both items have already prompted outreach and early feedback from business leaders and local preservation groups.
1248 Fifth Avenue: A 13-Story Proposal
The 1248 Fifth Avenue plan would demolish a one-story commercial building and replace it with a 13-story, 188-unit apartment tower, including 19 apartments reserved for very low-income households and 61 units provided through a density bonus. As outlined on the project page from the City of San Rafael, the design calls for about 157 parking spaces and ground-floor lobby and amenity areas. The application was filed under Senate Bill 330, a state law that limits local zoning changes once a qualifying housing application is submitted.
900 A Street: Midrise With Retail and Amenities
The 900 A Street proposal would bring an eight-story, 131-unit building with a 4,000-square-foot ground-floor commercial space and a street-accessible parking garage. The developer is seeking a density bonus that would produce about 11 apartments at low-income rents, roughly 10% of the base residential density, and in return allow the higher unit count and amenities such as a podium-level courtyard and a rooftop deck, as per Call Marin Home.
Who’s Behind The Projects
Both downtown proposals are tied to Monahan Pacific. This Marin County developer lists the AC Marriott at 1201 Fifth Avenue as one of its completed San Rafael projects and keeps its offices at 1101 Fifth Avenue. The firm’s website features a comprehensive portfolio spanning the Bay Area, with a recent focus on San Rafael. For more on the company, see Monahan Pacific.
Business Backing and Preservation Worries
The projects have already divided opinion. San Rafael Chamber of Commerce board chair Joe McCallum told the Marin Independent Journal that the chamber backs the developments as a way to bring workers and shoppers back into downtown. At the same time, San Rafael Heritage board member Sue Burrell told the paper she is worried that the Fifth Avenue high-rise would be incompatible with nearby historic sites. Both lines of argument are expected to surface during public comment.
Why This Matters
San Rafael is required to plan for 3,220 new homes under the Bay Area 2023 to 2031 Regional Housing Needs Allocation, according to the city’s housing element. That document and the downtown precise plan both single out the city center as a preferred spot for new housing, and supporters argue that projects like these help with both market-rate and subsidized units. Critics counter that building height, parking supply, and potential impacts on historic neighborhoods all warrant a closer examination before any project receives approval.
The Planning Commission will meet at City Hall on Tuesday at 7:00 PM, receive public comments, and then deliberate on environmental and design review findings for both applications. Commissioners could revise either project, attach conditions, or send them on to the City Council. Detailed plans are posted on the city’s project pages ahead of the hearing.
