Marin County's First 100% Affordable Housing Development in 30 Years Is Coming to Mill Valley
March 18, 2024
Mill Valley City Council approved Bayfront Terrace on February 5, 2024, marking the first 100% affordable housing development in the Marin County community in three decades. The four-story, 45-unit family community will serve households earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income, with rents ranging from approximately $978 to $2,908 per month.
Located at 1 Hamilton Drive on a 1.6-acre city-owned site, Bayfront Terrace will offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom units for families earning between $40,000 and $140,000 annually, depending on affordability level and household size. The development includes 63 residential parking spaces, with plans to relocate 38 existing public parking spaces to the adjacent Public Safety Building parking lot.
A Decades-Long Gap
Mill Valley Mayor Urban Carmel noted during the City Council meeting that while the city successfully built affordable housing in the 1970s, '80s, and '90s, development stalled as available land became scarce and financing grew increasingly difficult. The city has been actively seeking a project like Bayfront Terrace since 2016, identifying this particular site in 2021.
"We're super excited about this. This is huge," Mayor Carmel said. "It took forever, but it takes more than one of these to make a difference."
The approval represents a significant milestone for both Mill Valley and EAH Housing, demonstrating the impact of sustained partnership between local government and mission-driven developers.
Community Design & Next Steps
Bayfront Terrace is designed as a podium-style building in a "T" floor plan configuration. The community will feature:
- Energy-efficient appliances and window coverings in every unit
- On-site amenities including a bicycle room, lobby, laundry facilities, and management office
- On-site resident services and wellness programs
- Revitalized landscaping, new lighting, and surface parking
The site's location across from Hauke Park places future residents within walking distance of transit, retail, shopping, green spaces, and schools.
EAH Housing and the City of Mill Valley are actively pursuing financing to construct the project. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 or 2027, with an estimated completion date in 2028.
Applications for residency are anticipated to open in early 2026. Interested households can sign up for email notifications through the City of Mill Valley's website to receive updates on the application process.
Mayor Carmel shared that another 100% affordable housing development is in early planning stages, with more details expected by the end of 2024.
Developer: EAH Housing
Architect: Van Meter Williams Pollack, LLP
Units: 45 (1-BR, 2-BR, 3-BR)
Affordability: 30%-60% AMI
Estimated Construction Start: 2026/2027
Estimated Completion: 2028
