A new high density housing project under works in Corte Madera has caused controversy and widespread disapproval from the public.
The four-story, 180-unit “WinCup” housing development is currently under construction on Tamal Vista Boulevard off Highway 101, and has caused protests since its acquisition in 2011 by MacFarlane Partners, an investment management firm.
“This high density apartment complex is not appropriate for Corte Madera. This appears to be more like a public housing project,” said Louis Smith, who lives near the development site. “The painted clown-like patchwork does not fit in with the surroundings. The majority of the houses in Corte Madera are only one or two stories high and painted tastefully in neutral colors.”

Ten percent of the units will be affordable housing, so as to comply with Senate Bill 375’s housing density mandates. The rest of the apartments will be sold at about 90 percent of market value.
Those who earn fewer than $116,000 a year can qualify for a rent-subsidized unit, according to the income limits in Marin County as of 2008.
“I think the ‘WinCup’ project is a big mistake, frankly,” said County Supervisor Katie Rice. “Even if it was affordable, I think it is just too big in a place that is already congested.”
The town accepted the development proposal after MacFarlane Partners offered to donate $250,000 to alleviate potential traffic from the new development after locals voiced their concerns regarding the project.
Due to traffic from students living in Tiburon and East Corte Madera, Tamal Vista Boulevard is frequently congested in the morning, and it is anticipated that the complex will intensify this.