Larkspur is seeking residents’ input on three options for its 113-year-old City Hall, with estimated costs ranging from $6.3 million for near-term improvements to $23.7 million for a comprehensive renovation.

The building at 400 Magnolia Ave. has seismic deficiencies, an outdated fire sprinkler system and aging infrastructure, according to the city’s renovation project page.

A Historic Structure Report prepared by consultant Page & Turnbull outlines three options:

  • $6.3 million: Replace major building systems without a full structural renovation, extending building use by about 10 years.
  • $21.8 million: Undertake a major renovation with structural upgrades, providing an estimated 30-year building life.
  • $23.7 million: Complete a comprehensive renovation that preserves historic character and provides an estimated building life of 50 years or more.

The city says no project funding has been assigned beyond the money spent preparing the report. Financing discussions are expected after community feedback helps shape the renovation’s scope.

Building condition and historic features

Delaying improvements could leave the building vulnerable to system failures that might force a partial or complete closure, the city says.

The city cites a 2016 window-replacement project that required emergency wall repairs costing more than the window work itself.

The report identifies the facade facing King Street, the building’s overall form and its roofline as historically significant. The city’s FAQ says renovations that fail to retain significant features would affect downtown’s historic designation.

The roughly 10,000-square-foot building also contains space formerly occupied by the Larkspur Library. The library opened at its new location at 10 Rose Lane on March 28, 2026, creating an opportunity to reconsider City Hall’s future use.

Committee meeting and public input

The City Council authorized the Page & Turnbull study May 1, 2024.

At its June 18, 2025, meeting, the council designated a City Hall Reimagination ad hoc committee consisting of then-Mayor Way and then-Vice Mayor Andre to help develop next steps and public outreach, according to the project page.

The City Hall Study Citizens’ Committee is scheduled to hold its second meeting at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28. Its kickoff meeting was Sept. 22.

The city estimates that the three options would take two, three and four years, respectively, from the start of design through construction completion.

Each option would require relocating staff and City Hall functions. Relocation expenses are additional to the project cost estimates.

Residents can provide feedback through the City Hall Renovation Community Survey.

Questions and comments can also be directed to Public Works Director Julian Skinner at [email protected] or 415-927-5020.