RFQ Released: Co-developer and Partner for the Preservation and Recapitalization of Golden Gate Village

Context and History of Golden Gate Village

Built in 1961, Golden Gate Village comprises a large part of Marin City, located in Southern Marin County, California.



Marin City was founded during World War II to provide housing for workers at the Marinship shipyard and their families. From 1942 to 1945, it was inhabited by a diverse population that included African Americans who emigrated from the South in search of employment and opportunity. After the war, segregation and redlining relegated African Americans to the small community north of Sausalito, as they were prevented from buying homes in Marin County.

In 1957, the Marin Housing Authority chose Frank Lloyd Wright protege Aaron Green to design the 300-unit complex, which reflected Wright’s overarching philosophy of “organic architecture.” They felt strongly that the development’s design should be integrated with the environment and in harmony with the natural environment. In 1964, the Golden Gate Village design was chosen by the federal Public Housing Administration for the First Honor Design award from among 700 entrants nationwide.

The fundamental principles that guided the original design have been central to both the Housing Authority and to residents eager for the rejuvenation of Golden Gate Village.

About the Marin Housing Authority

The Marin Housing Authority (MHA) was incorporated in 1942 to serve the County of Marin. MHA is a public corporation created under the Health and Safety Code of the State of California. Under this code, MHA is authorized to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing for low and moderate-income people. MHA is governed by a Marin County Board of Supervisors Commission. Currently, the Commission consists of seven members, the five members of the Board of Supervisors and two MHA resident participants. MHA operates programs in the incorporated areas of Marin County under Cooperation Agreements with the local towns and cities.

Golden Gate Village by the Numbers

32 Acres

• 8 high-rise buildings
• 8 mid-size buildings

296 Apartments

• 44 one-bedroom units
• 132 two-bedroom units
• 111 three-bedroom units
• 9 four-bedroom units

700 Residents

400 residents of color (2% percentage African Americans account for the total population in Marin)

Framework Overview

The rehabilitation framework is focused on three key areas.

Preserve Golden Gate Village as affordable rental housing for current and future residents.

• Make physical improvements that address the capital needs, including complete unit renovations, new HVAC systems, electric systems and lighting.
• Invest in measures resulting in reduced consumption of energy and water, increase climate resiliency, and improved indoor air quality.
• Complete the renovation in a manner appropriate to the historic designation of Golden Gate Village.

Strengthen and Expand Affordable Housing as a Social Safety Net.

• All residents have a right to return after renovation. No current resident will lose their housing because of repositioning.
• Create a preference for former Marin City residents to return to Golden Gate Village.
• Work with residents to create a plan for resident involvement during the development/construction phase and long-term operating phase of Golden Gate Village.
• Recommend and advocate with Marin County for the passage of an anti-displacement ordinance protecting existing regulated affordable rental housing in the county.

Create Economic Opportunity for Residents.

• In March 2023, the Marin County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $2 million investment fund for Golden Gate Village, which can be used to support pathways to homeownership, credit repair, job training and education programs. Residents are already participating in onsite workshops to help determine where the funds will be best utilized and exploring the creation of an on campus service hub.
• Work with Marin County to provide additional investment in fee simple homeownership opportunities for residents of Marin City.
• Increase utilization of the Family Self Sufficiency program combined with a match savings account program (aka Individual Development Accounts) to assist GGV residents with creating wealth

How residents will be involved in the design process

Partnership with the residents is important for a successful redevelopment and harmonious community thereafter. The Marin Housing Authority is working with residents to create an involvement plan that centers the needs of the residents in the redevelopment of the site and management of the community once the redevelopment is complete.

That plan includes:

• Memorandum of Understanding between MHA and the Resident Council that outlines the function and responsibilities of each party.
• MHA will seek the Resident Council’s input in the selection of a developer partner. This includes having a representative on the selection committee.

Redevelopment Partner Approach

MHA intends to use a proven approach to the preservation and recapitalization of public housing. Golden Gate Village will be converted from traditional public housing to project based section 8 vouchers by seeking HUD’s approval under Section 18 Disposition. Studies of the project suggest Golden Gate Village will meet the “obsolescence test”. Net new Tenant Protection Vouchers will be the source of operating subsidy post conversion.

Recapitalization will occur using Low Income Housing Tax Credit, permanent debt, seller financing and other available state and local resources appropriate for the project. MHA, through an affiliated entity, will remain involved in the ownership structure, and intends to maintain ownership after “year 15.”

RFQ Process