Episode 105
Interview with Chris Meany on Treasure Island (Part 1)
In Episode 105 of the Land to Lots™ Podcast, Carter talks with Chris Meany, founding member of Wilson Meany, about the vision, planning, and complexity behind Treasure Island, one of the most ambitious urban infill redevelopment projects in California.
Chris shares his path into real estate development, including what first drew him to building “real things,” and reflects on Wilson Meany’s work on some of California’s most iconic projects, including the San Francisco Ferry Building. From there, Carter and Chris begin unpacking the story of Treasure Island, the former naval station in San Francisco Bay that is being transformed into a major mixed-use, mixed-income community.
In Part 1 of this conversation, you’ll learn:
- How Chris Meany got started in real estate development and placemaking.
- The story behind Wilson Meany’s role in the San Francisco Ferry Building.
- How Treasure Island evolved from a former naval base into a generational redevelopment opportunity.
- Why San Francisco viewed Treasure Island as a chance to create a new residential district without the same neighborhood opposition seen in other parts of the city.
- How the master planning team approached density, open space, affordability, transportation, and environmental goals.
- Why the ferry connection to downtown San Francisco became central to the project’s planning strategy.
- How CEQA and entitlement challenges continue to impact large-scale housing and development in California.
Show Notes
Plus: Whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways Launch Development Finance Advisors™ can help you with your project:
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Prepare a Special Tax District Bond Analysis for Your Project
If you have a project in AZ, CA, CO, ID, NC, NM, SC, TX, UT, or WA, contact Carter Froelich and have Launch prepare an initial complimentary high-level bond analysis for your project.
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Add Favorable Financing Language to Annexation and/or Development Agreements
Create certainty and flexibility related to your project’s infrastructure financing by having Launch professionals prepare handcrafted favorable financing language for inclusion in your Annexation and/or Development Agreement. Contact Carter Froelich for more information.
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Perform The RED Analysis™ on Your Project
We have developed a unique process at Launch called The RED Analysis™, in which we perform a diagnostic review of your project to determine possible ways to Reduce, Eliminate, and Defer infrastructure construction costs in order to enhance project returns. Contact Carter Froelich for more information.
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Track Your Reimbursable Costs Utilizing The Launch Reimbursement System™ (“LRS”)
Never lose track of your district-eligible reimbursable costs. Launch can manage your district’s cost reimbursement tracking, preparation of electronic reimbursement submittal packages, and processing of your reimbursement requests with the district, jurisdiction, and/or agency. Contact Curry Froelich for more information.
Complimentary Offers for Land to Lots™ Listeners
- Complimentary Land to Lots Book
- Complimentary Bond Sizing Analysis
- Learn More About Launch Development Finance Advisors
- Connect With Carter Froelich
- Connect With Launch Development Finance Advisors
Carter Froelich
480-828-9555 / carter@launch-dfa.com
Carter Froelich hosts the Land to Lots™ podcast, powered by Launch Development Finance Advisors. Carter shares how he and his team help their clients finance infrastructure, reduce costs, and mitigate risks, all with the goal of enhancing project profitability.

