San Rafael Selects Eden Housing to Plan 350 Merrydale Permanent Affordable Homes

The San Rafael City Council voted on October 5th to begin exclusive negotiations with Eden Housing for the development of permanent affordable homes at 350 Merrydale Road and 3833 Redwood Highway.

This initial step gives the City and Eden up to 12 months to work out the terms of a development. This step does not approve a proposed housing project and any final development and disposition agreement would go to the Planning Commission and then the City Council for approval.

"This agreement lets the City and Eden Housing take a closer look at what can be built on the site. There's a lot of work ahead, including feasibility studies and community meetings on the design. We will provide periodic updates to the community as the process moves forward," said City Manager Paul Navazio.

How Eden was chosen

Five developers responded to the City's request for proposals for the development of affordable housing at 350 Merrydale this spring. A panel of City and County staff and a San Rafael Chamber of Commerce representative scored the proposals. Eden ranked highest because its plan offered the most homes, parking, and neighborhood improvements. A City Council subcommittee heard from all three finalists on August 20.

Eden Housing was founded in 1968 and has developed or acquired more than 12,600 homes.

Shelter first, then permanent homes

The City bought the site in November 2025 with funding from the County of Marin. It will first serve as an interim shelter for people experiencing homelessness for two to three years. Permanent housing will follow. Under the City's agreement with the County, the site must hold at least 80 affordable homes, entitled by June 30, 2028.

Next steps

Over the next six months, Eden will study the project's feasibility and the City and Eden will negotiate a term sheet. Eden will also lead community meetings on the building's design with FORA Engage.

Learn more: Visit the 350 Merrydale project page.