Marin Center Renaissance Partnership Project

In 1957, legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright told the people of Marin County: Here is a crucial opportunity to open the eyes of not Marin County alone, but of the entire country to what officials gathering together might themselves do to broaden and beautify human lives.

Five years later, the Marin County Civic Center was dedicated with an important postscript: It is to be hoped and expected that Marin County citizens, cognizant of the magnitude of this signicant contribution to their lives and those of their children as well as to future generations, will work together towards completion of an entire master plan.

The Marin Center Renaissance Partnership is a unique public and private venture to finalize the vision foreseen 42 years ago of establishing a naturally beautiful destination for social gatherings, cultural and performing events, commercial activities and personal solace. Combining the energy and resources of private citizens with the contribution of public officials, the partnership will ensure a balanced development demonstrating what can be done “to broaden and beautify human lives.”

When complete, the site will become a landmark civic and cultural center incorporating the Marin County Civic Center, Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium, exhibit hall, lagoon, peaceful gardens, walking paths, public art and outdoor gathering spaces. Besides enhancing the usefulness for the hundreds of local organizations already regularly using the facilities, the Marin civic and cultural center will create new opportunities for expanded community and cultural activities.

The Marin Center Renaissance project was initiated in 2000. Following a series of community meetings and the development of guiding principles for the project, proposals were invited by the Renaissance Partnership from a group of thoughtfully selected, nationally known architectural firms to develop a comprehensive master plan for the 80-acre site. The Board of Supervisors finalized contracts with architects Mark Cavagnero Associates and landscape architects Royston Hanamoto Alley & Abey in the beginning of 2004.