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What’s your vision for Downtown San Rafael? Join us for a Design Charrette May 8th to 11th, 2019!

Posted on May 2, 2019


Downtown Design Charrette - May 8-11, 2019

The City of San Rafael is hosting a multi-day design workshop (known as a “Charrette”) from Wednesday, May 8th to Saturday, May 11th to develop an updated master plan for Downtown San Rafael.  Charrette events will include community workshops and presentations, brown bag lunches, and two open ‘drop-in studios 

All members of the public are invited to come check out potential design concepts and share ideas with a group of professional planners and urban designers. These are family-friendly events and no background in urban planning is needed.  

The new Downtown Plan will include new:  

  • Design guidelines 
  • Parking and transportation strategies 
  • Public space improvements 
  • Economic development programs 
  • Zoning standards 
  • Strategies for creating more affordable housing and reducing displacement 

The Plan will become part of San Rafael’s General Plan 2040, the long-range plan for the future of the city.  

Charrette Events 

Downtown Design Workshop
Wednesday, May 8
th, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Jackson’s Café at Whistlestop 
930 Tamalpais Ave.  

Join the General Plan Steering Committee for a formal presentation by the design team followed by discussion envisioning the future of Downtown San Rafael. The workshop will be conducted using a hands-on format and is open to all. Pizza and salad will be served!  


Open Studio Number One
Thursday, May 9
th, 10:00am – 6:30pm
1200 4th Street 

The City’s Downtown Plan consultant will be converting the vacant storefront at 1200 Fourth Street (4th and B, northwest corner, next door to Scandinavian Designs) into a temporary design studio. A team of designers will be on-site preparing sketches, drawings, and plans. Everyone is welcome and invited to drop by the studio and share their ideas.  

Historic Resources Brown Bag Presentation
Thursday – May 9
th, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
1200 4th Street 

Bring lunch and learn about this key topic. 

Mid-Point Pinup
Thursday, May 9
th, 5:00PM – 6:30pm
1200 4th Street 

Drop by for an informal pinup by the Design Team to summarize and discuss Charrette progress. 


Open Studio Number Two
Friday, May 10
th, 10:00am – 1:00pm
1200 4th Street

Everyone is welcome and invited to drop by the open design studios.  

Economic Development Brown Bag Presentation
Friday, May 10
th, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
1200 4th Street 

Bring lunch and learn about this key topic. 


Final Presentation from the Design Team
Saturday, May 11
th, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Jackson’s Café at Whistlestop
930 Tamalpais Ave. 

Join the design team for a final presentation of the results from the Design Charrette. Stay downtown and enjoy the 31st Annual May Madness Car Show afterwards! 

The new Downtown Plan is being funded by a grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and is part of the City’s update to it’s General Plan. More information about the General Plan 2040 process can be found at: www.cityofsanrafael.org/general-plan-2040  

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