Sensitive species photographed in the Princess Grove on August 19, 2025. Photos courtesy of Dr. Shawn Smallwood.
We are writing to give you an update on our efforts to stop Monster #2, the huge out of scale luxury project an affiliate of the developer of 605 Bridgeway is seeking to build in the heart of the historic district right behind Monster #1.
Our attorneys and wildlife expert have now analyzed the project and send a formal letter to the City of Sausalito showing the application is premised on false claims and will result in irreversible ecological damage.
Quick Recap: What's Being Proposed
The developer is seeking approval to build:
- 39 residential units – 31 luxury units plus 8 tiny “affordable” units (344-450 sq ft), most at the garage level or facing retaining walls
- 6 floors reaching approximately 66+ feet in height
- Major excavation of up to four floors of soil on the steep Bulkley Avenue side, requiring 40-foot retaining walls
- Conversion of the certified historic residence into a clubhouse entrance
Devastating Wildlife Impact
Dr. Smallwood’s report documented the abundant and delicate ecosystem of wildlife in the “Princess Grove” of trees spanning 83 Princess Street and 605 Bridgeway.
Tree Removal Would Destroy Protected Habitat
The 83 Princess Street developer plans to clear-cut 33 trees from the site. Dr. Smallwood’s study found that the site contains mature coast live oaks, California buckeyes, and bay trees—many protected under Sausalito’s Tree Ordinance—that provide essential nesting, foraging, and roosting habitat. The damage from removing these trees would be devastating and lasting:
- The proposed buildings would leave no space for meaningful tree replacement, making the habitat loss permanent
- Large glass façades would likely cause hundreds of bird deaths each year from window collisions, adding to the harm
Abundant Wildlife Habitat Would Be Lost Forever
Dr. Smallwood’s study documented abundant wildlife at 83 Princess Street and its neighboring proposed property site at 605 Bridgeway, including:
- 62 wildlife species, including at least 20 special-status species, actively using the site
- Birds, raptors, and five species of bats that rely directly on these trees and the surrounding airspace to survive
- The site currently produces more than 100 young birds every year, a level of biological productivity that would be lost forever if the trees are removed
Once destroyed, this habitat cannot be recreated elsewhere in Sausalito. Protecting these trees means protecting wildlife, preserving Sausalito’s natural character, and preventing irreversible ecological damage.
City's Findings: Serious Application Flaws
The City of Sausalito also sent the developer a formal “Notice of Incomplete Application.” The city identified numerous deficiencies, including:
- Missing critical reports including a Historical Evaluation Report for this registered California historic building
- Incomplete demolition plans with inconsistencies about which structures will be removed
- Missing accessibility compliance demonstrations
- Inadequate arborist reports that fail to specify which trees will be removed
- Incomplete site plans lacking drainage, utilities, and neighboring property analysis
- Outstanding fees totaling over $8,500 for required permits and agreements
Get Involved: Join Our Advocacy Committee
We are forming an advocacy committee to raise awareness in our local community about these developments and similar issues. If you would like to get involved and help protect Sausalito’s historic character and irreplaceable nature, simply email our team at Connect@saveoursausalito.com
What's Next
Stay alert and engaged. The developer will need to resubmit a complete application addressing all of the city’s concerns. This is a critical moment in the review process, and community awareness matters.
We will update you as soon as we have more information about the developer’s response and next steps in the city review process.
Thank you for your continued support in protecting Sausalito’s historic character, wildlife habitat, hillside safety, and community scale. ❤️
Save Our Sausalito
