Fairfax advocates secure funds for ‘Wall property’ purchase

Fairfax open space advocates have raised enough money to complete the purchase of the 100-acre tract known as the “Wall property.”

The town has been collaborating with the county and the Marin Open Space Trust (MOST) to acquire the tract, which is north of downtown and offers sweeping views of Mount Tamalpais. It is a popular location for wildlife, hikers and dog walkers.

The groups have sought to raise $2.9 million for the purchase and for maintenance work.

Bill Long, chair of the trust’s board, announced the completion of the fundraising last week. He said more than 200 people contributed to the effort, with nearly half the funds coming from personal donations. The transfer of the property from MOST to Fairfax is expected to occur next month, he said.

Significant contributions for the property included a $500,000 grant from the California State Coastal Conservancy, which was announced in June, and a $1 million Measure A grant from the county announced this month.

“We’ve had tremendous support from the community. We completed our fundraising ahead of schedule,” Long said. “But we’re still busy. There are still some final steps in the process to complete everything.”

The purchase price for the property is $2.35 million. MOST sought to raise additional funds for remediation work on the property because of concerns about landslides.

The announcement comes amid the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Fairfax Open Space Committee, said Susan Pascal Beran, the group’s chair.

“It was one of the few times an issue has brought the community together,” Pascal Beran said. “I think the one thing that resonates with all of us in the Open Space Committee is that this was a stone soup effort. It really is something first and foremost in this community. This particular nature has touched so many people.”

The group plans a celebration of the 20-year anniversary and the acquisition of the property from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Fairfax Women’s Club at 46 Park Road.

The property was sold by Alan Wall for $1.75 million in 2013 to a group of investors headed by Mill Valley developer Marshal Rothman. Rothman planned to build homes but struggled to secure approval from the town. His limited liability company used to purchase the property defaulted on its loan and ultimately declared bankruptcy.

The property reverted to the lender at auction in 2023. According to the county assessor’s office, the property is owned by Marinda Heights LLC, which is controlled by Sequoia Mortgage Capital Inc. Owner Jason Freskos approached the town about purchasing the property, officials said.

On Aug. 6, the Town Council unanimously approved an agreement between the town and the Marin County Open Space District for trail maintenance. The agreement allows the district to perform routine trail upkeep given that the town does not have the staff or resources to do so.

“The jewel of Fairfax will soon be in the town’s hands to preserve as open space in perpetuity,” said Mayor Barbara Coler. “We look forward to the property closing early at the end of September if all the final pieces go smoothly.”