Mill Valley, California
Parcel Redevelopment, New 32 Unit Multi-Family Residential, Existing Office and Retail
Proposed Residential Area: 47,880 SF (GBA)
Existing Building Area: 20,200 SF (GBA)
Site Area: 36,408 SF
Mill Valley is located just north of San Francisco by approximately fourteen miles, linked by the Golden Gate Bridge. The parcel is in the southwest corner of the quaint Downtown, which has not seen any new development in over 40 years. The existing architecture within the Downtown core is reminiscent of a small European village. Mill Valley’s significance in the milling industry is widespread throughout the Bay Area. The mills played a vital role in developing The Presidio of San Francisco. The site is nestled at the foot of a hillside and is densely populated with trees that blanket the perimeter. The overall building form takes cues from the prodigious tree trunks. Terra cotta cladding was selected to align with the textures, rounded surfaces, and layers of earthy hues. Enlarged bay windows, a stone-clad podium, pronounced arches, quarter-round fenestration, and a touch of ornamentation with metal detailing provide classic yet modern qualities that ground the building in the majestic context. The goal was to ensure that the building evolves in harmony with the growth of Downtown over time.
Role: Architect