Sneak peak of new development bringing up to 1,100 new homes to Marina

On the site of the historic former Fort Ord Army base, a new neighborhood is being built.

“They’re all nice homes and they’re generally pretty upscale for the area,” said Wayne Thompson, Sea Haven Sales Representative for Layia “If you notice just in this model home alone 10 foot ceilings throughout and that’s hard to find.”

Spread over 248 acres, part of the community sits hillside and is close to the beach. It will offer a mix of one and two story homes with up to 7 bedrooms.

“There’s shopping centers nearby, schools, hospitals, everything is very close by and convenient,” said Stacy Drew, Marketing Manager for Wathen Castanos Holmes. “But because of the preserve area there’s going to be local parks and trails.”

The homes are being priced from $500,000 to mid $800,000. Even though they aren’t for sale yet, they’re already in demand.

“Almost impossible to find a single family home in Monterey or Carmel obviously in that $500,000 dollar range,” said Ashley Meilan , Sea Haven Sales Representative for Larkspur. “We only have 18 properties on the market right now just in Marina.”

Sarah Perkins said she struggled to find housing in Marina when she moved in a few months ago.

“You just have to be persistent,” said Perkins. “Keep looking and hope that the market works for you.”

Perkins also said she along with other residents welcome more housing, but they worry about keeping a good balance between preserving Marina’s natural beauty and development.

“I can imagine it’s difficult to see this all getting developed now,” said Perkins. “But I think if we do it in a smart way it will be good.”

There will be a First Light event Saturday, March 25 th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. off of Imjin Parkway.

Attendees will get a virtual tour of the new homes and get to speak with sales representatives.