Novato is about to change in a big way. Two major projects, a world-class design museum on Highway 101 and one of the largest new neighborhoods Marin has seen in decades, are moving forward. If you own a home in Novato or are thinking about buying here, here's what you should know.
1. A new design museum at the former Birkenstock campus
The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity, a nonprofit dedicated to the work of designers Charles and Ray Eames, bought the former Birkenstock campus along Highway 101 in 2025 for about $36 million. It's the property known for its distinctive sawtooth roofline. The Institute plans to turn the roughly 88-acre site into a museum and cultural campus.
The design team is led by Herzog & de Meuron, the internationally known architecture firm behind the de Young Museum in San Francisco, working with Bay Area firm EHDD. Early plans call for:
- A central exhibition hall in the renovated 1960s warehouse and office building
- A 275-seat theater
- Maker spaces and smaller display rooms
- Landscaped grounds designed for visitors to explore
The Institute is aiming for an opening around 2030. Its master plan was recently submitted to the City of Novato and still needs to go through the city's review process.
2. Nearly 1,000 new homes at the old Fireman's Fund campus
For years, the Fireman's Fund office campus at 777 San Marin Drive in north Novato sat empty. That is now changing. In January 2024 the Novato City Council rezoned the property for housing, and demolition of the old office buildings began in September 2025.
In 2026 the developer filed a vesting tentative map with the city for 119 single-family lots, 84 townhome lots and about 725 apartments, close to 930 homes in all. According to the City of Novato, the plan also includes:
- Homes on roughly 44 acres of the 63-acre property, with the rest kept as open space
- A mix of detached single-family homes, townhomes and apartments, plus accessory dwelling units
- Single-family homes of two to three stories, and apartment buildings up to five stories
- Green space, outdoor common areas and a walking connection to the San Marin SMART train station
Each phase still needs city approvals and building permits before construction starts, so homes will be built in stages over the coming years.
What this means for Novato buyers and sellers
For buyers: More new-construction choices are coming to north Novato, including options near the SMART train. That's helpful if you commute or want a newer home in Marin.
For sellers: A major cultural destination on Highway 101 and new investment in the community can raise Novato's profile. New supply also means it's smart to price and present your home well, so it stands out from new construction.
Every neighborhood will feel these changes a little differently. If you'd like to know how they could affect your home's value, or you want help finding the right place in Novato, we're happy to talk.
Contact Tim and Liz · See Novato homes for sale
Sources: City of Novato, 777 San Marin Dr project page; City of Novato, 777 San Marin Dr Vesting Tentative Map; Fast Company; SF Standard; The Real Deal.