Greenbelt Alliance is proud to endorse the Waterstreet Apartments in Sausalito—a project that represents one of the city’s first mixed-use, high-density housing developments in decades. Developed by Willy’s LLC, the building will include 47 homes, with 20% designated as affordable housing. Located in the heart of Sausalito’s historic downtown, the development offers future residents access to a highly walkable and bikeable neighborhood filled with shops, restaurants, and robust public transit options.
The Waterstreet project aligns closely with Greenbelt Alliance’s climate SMART—Sustainable, Mixed, Affordable, Resilient, Transit-Oriented—development criteria in multiple ways. Public transportation is easily accessible, with a bus stop just a 3-minute walk away and the Sausalito Ferry Terminal—offering direct service to San Francisco—only 6 minutes on foot. By utilizing underused infill land, the project will add much-needed housing above five existing retail spaces.
In addition to delivering affordable, transit-oriented housing, the project will feature several sustainable design elements, including:
- Rooftop solar panels
- EV charging stations powered by solar energy
- Ample bicycle parking
- Drought-tolerant landscaping with drip irrigation
- Compliance with CALGreen water and energy standards
To enhance climate resilience, no residential units will be built on the ground floor, reducing risk from future sea level rise. The building will also include a fireproof stucco exterior, a full fire sprinkler system, and easy access for fire department equipment.
A metrics analysis using GreenTRIP—a modeling tool developed by TransForm to assess traffic and greenhouse gas impacts of residential developments—demonstrates Waterstreet’s strong environmental performance:
- 507 fewer miles driven every day compared to the Marin County average.
- 34% fewer GHG impacts every day compared to the Marin County average.
- 16% less parking use every day compared to the Marin County average.
Greenbelt Alliance believes the Waterstreet Apartments will bring much-needed SMART housing to Sausalito. This development not only supports the city’s future growth in a sustainable manner, but also enhances the charm and accessibility of its historic district—preserving its character while expanding opportunity. We are proud to endorse this project and hope its approval will inspire communities across Marin and the Bay Area to pursue more climate-friendly, inclusive development.
Greenbelt Alliance’s Climate SMART—Sustainable, Mixed, Affordable, Resilient, Transit-Oriented— Development Endorsement Program goals call for fully protecting the Bay Area’s greenbelt, directing growth within existing communities, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and accomplishing both in a way that equitably benefits all Bay Area residents. Our Endorsement Program supports projects that advance the right kind of development in the right places. By promoting climate SMART development, we can create thriving, resilient neighborhoods with ready access to transit and housing choices for all of the Bay Area’s people. Find out more about our Endorsement Program here. Feel free to contact our team for more information and support.
