Many eons ago, I grew up in the area. I recall as a kid watching the steamers come in from Willits and Eureka and do so fondly. I remember getting packages from the Railray Express office there. As has been stated. The use of the property was for a train depot. Train transportation has changed dramaticlly since San Rafael was a passenger and freight stop on the NWP. The properties use as a transportation hub is probably the most practical use if it could be combined with the Golden Gate Trasit System. That is all the room that there is in that space. The Grayhound Buss Depot was accross Tamalpias and Third Street from there where they were a transportation hub during the war years. A modern, energy efficient, passenger building including space for transportation oriented entities would be the best use for that narrow strip of property. Trying to house people there with the elevated highway not too far away is the worst location for those who would try to live there. How much rail traffic would be there is questionable now as we don't know how many passenger trains will travel through and stop there. How much freight business can be developed or allowed through there is also in question to the industies south of there on Anderson Blvd, Irwin St and Lindaro St. If those who are in a position to plan the future land use of San Rafael, a transportation hub would be perfect and development for frieght to the south an example of effective land use planning. A much safer, quieter and elderly friendly location could be found for the seniors and the group that supports them which now occupies a building that now should be replaced.
Bill