Suburban Lifestyles

Livermore - Los Altos Heights subdivision - 1967

2009-10-26T12:51:00.001-07:00

Often considered part of Sunset's The Meadows subdivision, the first development north of Portola Avenue (and south of I-580) is the 81-unit Los Altos Heights subdivision, built by Duc & Elliott, builders of "finer communities."

Los Altos Heights featured standard tract homes as well as lots available for custom homes. The tract homes were built between 1966 and 1968, but custom homes were built through 1971. Most of the custom homes are along the top of the community, which afford fantastic views of the Livermore Valley.

This advertisement from the Oakland Tribune dated October 8, 1967, shows a living room scene in one of the Los Altos Heights' homes, complete with cheesy Sixties art above the fireplace. At $27,500 to $30,950, prices were around $3,000 higher than the lowest-priced home in the Pleasanton Valley subdivision. However, these homes have air conditioning and a view!

Today, this neighborhood has some attractive attributes: easy access to I-580 and downtown, views, a hill between it and the large commercial areas to the north, big lots, fancy homes, and peace and quiet.

Enjoy!
Scott

Pleasanton - Heritage Valley subdivision - 1975

2009-10-23T18:47:00.000-07:00

Morrison Homes is to Pleasanton what Shapell is to San Ramon... a home builder that established the modern character of their chosen communities.

Morrison Homes created the enormous Pleasanton Valley and Valley Trails subdivisions, and marched along developing more of Pleasanton. After a slow-growth initiative passed in Pleasanton in the mid-Seventies, Morrison was forced to build less. Each builder was only allocated a set number of permits. Most of the land between Mohr, Santa Rita, Valley, and the train tracks was owned by Morrison. However, it took until the Eighties to develop it fully... completed by the Danbury Park subdivision around Orloff Park.

Morrison Homes, building on earlier successes, took some of the most popular floor plans of the earlier developments, updated elevations and opened Heritage Valley in September 1975. Three model homes were shown on Morganfield Court (on the map in the darker tint), but four models were available. The two-story model came in 4 or 5 bedroom options.

The 105-unit development finished a year later in 1976. Prices began at $47,500 in 1975. Not a bad deal! Most of these homes are set on cul-de-sacs and enjoy large lots. A pool is de rigueur and why not? It's Pleasanton after all!

Enjoy!
Scott

San Ramon - Fairway Hills subdivision - 1965

2009-10-12T15:52:00.000-07:00

Located on the San Ramon Royal Vista Golf Course, the Fairway Hills subdivision was the second development to border the greens. The first, Country Club Park, started in 1961 on the western portion of the golf course. Fairway Hills, developed by Alpha Homes, is a 117 unit subdivision that featured good-sized homes on even larger lots. The original 5 models were located on Burning Tree Court (in darker red on the map).

The advertisement is clearly written towards a male audience, especially with the hint of cynicism about Harry the horse. Perhaps developed by the advertising professionals of 1965, now popularized with AMC's MadMen TV series.

Homes started at $25,950 in 1965 and sales continued through 1966. Much of the remaining land around the golf course went undeveloped until 1977 when Paseo San Ramon and Rancho Ramon were built.

San Ramon Country Club golf course, designed by Clark Glasson, opened its first 9 holes in June of 1962, with the remaining 9 holes opening in fall that same year ("Golf Course Now Open to Public", 1962). The golf course has been renamed a number of times, now at Royal Vista Golf Course.

Enjoy!
Scott

Reference
Golf Course New Open to Public. (1962, June 17, 1962). Oakland Tribune, p. 2-R.

Pleasanton - Valley Trails subdivision - 1972

2009-10-08T09:58:00.001-07:00

Valley Trails in Pleasanton was Morrison Homes' foray into the new lifestyle communities gaining popularity in Pleasanton. In this advertisement, Morrison described Valley Trails as "... a unique, totally different cul de sac land plan. Valley Trails - A new contained community features a wide, landscaped park running through the community to the elementary school site. In this pastoral green belt, your children will have room to roam, to run, to ramble with complete safety."

Like Oliver Rousseau's Pleasanton Meadows subdivision off Santa Rita Road, Valley Trails has a park running down the center of the community. However, the elementary school was never built. The school site is currently occupied by a church and mostly a weedy lot.

Cleverly, the streets in Valley Trails are named after national parks, abet abbreviations. No one in this neighborhood can claim geography ignorance.

Featured in this ad is the Valley View House model; the classic tri-level home with three bedrooms. This model was value priced at $34,040 in 1972.

Valley Trails is still considered an affordable neighborhood by Pleasanton standards. The reason for affordability is often cited as foundation issues that the neighborhood has been perceived as having. Although it is unknown whether these claims have been substantiated, the perceptions persist.

Enjoy!
Scott

San Ramon - Daybreak subdivision - 1978

2009-09-24T10:26:00.000-07:00

In the latter half of the Seventies, the land around Montevideo Drive in San Ramon exploded with growth. Although dominated by Shapell, smaller lots were developed by infill developers, such as the San Diego-based Pacific Scene, Inc. The Daybreak subdivision was Pacific Scene's debut into the East Bay home market ("Daybreak Preview", 1978).

In 1978, Pacific Scene built 50 unique homes offering 2, 3, and 4 bedrooms around Foxboro Circle ("Daybreak Preview", 1978). Similar to detached townhouses, homes in the Daybreak subdivision offer smaller lots, shorter driveways, and for some along Montevideo, no fenced backyards. Instead, the center of the subdivision is a private pool and park for its residents.

Pacific Scene offered 6 floor plans with innovative elevations, now epitomizing the experimental late 70s designs. The garages on most of the homes are flat-roofed while the rest of the homes featured high peaks.

Greatly affected by the savings and loan collapse in the early 90s, Pacific Scene, Inc. virtually disappeared from the real estate scene ("Like Father, Like Son", 2005). However, the founder's son is now back with his successful "Pacific Scene Homes."

Pictured above in the artist's rendition of a home in Daybreak from the Oakland Tribune. The model as it appears today is also shown.

Enjoy!
Scott

References
Daybreak Preview. (1978, March 5, 1978). Oakland Tribune, p. 1-C.

Like Father, Like Son. (2005, July 24, 2005). San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved September 24, 2009 from http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20050724/news_1h24sceen.html

San Ramon - Danridge subdivision - 1969

2009-09-19T10:12:00.001-07:00

Touted as homes for country gentleman living, William Lyon opened the Danridge subdivision on June 1, 1969 (Fremont Argus, 1969). Located on the far north-eastern portion of San Ramon (at the time), Danridge originally offered four models, all with "terrace kitchens" (Fremont Argus). Some plans offered the unique "parent saver retreat," which placed master bedrooms away from the other bedrooms.

The exterior elevations offered were both ahead of their time as well as experimental. Unique roof lines with unconventional pitches were common. Yet, other homes appear as if they could have been built 20 years later. William Lyon homes were always innovative.

In 1969, prices ranged from $27,500 to $34,500. While the subdivision seems far from everything, it's actually close to schools and thanks to a walkway over the creek, adjacent to California High School.

In late 1973, The Larwin Group acquired William Lyons Homes' assets in Danridge and the subdivision was renamed Larwin's Encore San Ramon.

Enjoy!
Scott

Reference.
Danridge Opens Today. (1969, June 1). The Argus, p. 14.

Pleasanton - Pleasanton Meadows subdivision - 1968

2009-09-18T14:38:00.001-07:00

Along with Oliver Rousseau Homes, Galli Homes started construction of a number of homes in the lifestyle-oriented Pleasanton Meadows subdivision. Responsible for many of the homes on the north side of Fairlands Park, Galli Homes built some of the largest homes available at the time, with up to 5 or 6 bedrooms. Only Morrison Homes' Pleasanton Valley subdivision offered comparable bedrooms.

Pictured in this advertisement from 1968 is the Century House, popular with more affluent home buyers. The Century House model was on the higher end of the price range, starting about $34,950 in 1968. This model still remains popular today due to its number of bedrooms, a rarity even in today's construction standards.

Galli Homes in Pleasanton Meadows had its four models on the western corner of Churchill Drive, with its sales office at 4267 Churchill Drive. Galli Homes built many of the homes along Fairlands Drive and Churchill Drive from Churchill Court through Chelsea Court. Around 1971, H. C. Elliott acquired Galli Homes' assets in Pleasanton Meadows and finished out its portion of the development. H. C. Elliott closed out the old models on Churchill and opened four new models on Cambridge Court. Model names included the Capistrano, the Newporter, and the Sandpiper, Eventually a fifth model, the Partridge, was added in 1971 (The Argus, 1971). The same models were used to sell another H. C. Elliott development in Pleasanton, Vintage Hills (The Argus).

Enjoy!
Scott

Reference
Elliott adds model series. (1971, July 4). The Argus, p. 14.

San Ramon - California Classics subdivision - 1969

2009-09-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

California Classics is a neighborhood of award-winning floor plans, built between 1968 and 1971. William Lyon Development Company ("Wm. Lyon Homes"), an American Standard Company, features Plan 42 on this advertisement from 1969. Plan 42 came with a bonus second level, which buyers could select from an unfinished space, a large family room with bathroom, or two bedrooms with a bathroom. Although bonus spaces were not exclusive to California Classics, having appeared earlier at Parkwood San Ramon in 1962 and Appletree Dublin in 1966.

California Classics also became home to the area's first elementary school: Neil A. Armstrong Elementary. Named after the famous astronaut, of course! With the school came the area's first park, although not officially a park, it was the first patch of green grass and swing set until Boone Acres and Athan Downs were built many years later.

The original models were located on Randolph Place. Homes with 2 to 4 bedrooms were available, all with Terrace Kitchens (competing with rival Rancho Solana's Panorama Kitchen). Towards the build-out of the development, the name of the subdivision was changed to "American Classics."

Enjoy!
Scott

Pleasanton - Pleasanton Meadows subdivision - 1971

2009-09-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

Pleasanton Meadows, developed by Oliver Rousseau Homes and Galli Homes, was one of two developments in Pleasanton that featured homes built along a greenbelt, Fairlands Park. Simultaneously, Morrison Homes was developing Valley Trails; the other development catching the greenbelt trend.

Pleasanton Meadows opened in April 1968 and Rousseau sold 103 homes in two-and-a-half months (Oakland Tribune, 1968). Spacious homes for modern lifestyles were situated on large lots, with formal living and casual family rooms. The neighborhood was unique because of its cabana and swim club, plus air conditioning in every home.

Rousseau's original eight models were located on the east side of Weymouth Court, with Galli's original four model homes on the western portion of Churchill Drive. A year later another two models opened alongside the existing four on Churchill. In May 1970, home builder H. C. Elliott opened four model homes on Cambridge Court (Oakland Tribune, 1970). 1973 brought The Crossings by The Larwin Group with models on Cranwood Court. After the initial development ceased in the 70s, a number of empty lots remained until they were developed in the mid-80s, including along Manchester Street, the northern half of Gulfstream Street, and a number of townhouses east of Fairlands School.

West Las Positas Boulevard was originally intended to connect to the street with the same name in Livermore (now East Jack London Boulevard). However, Pleasanton abandoned those plans in favor of Stoneridge Drive eventually reaching Livermore.

Because greenbelt living has increased in popularity since arriving in the late 60s, this neighborhood is one of the most desirable for young families. Easy freeway access, mature trees, large yards and pools; suburban living at its finest.

Enjoy!
Scott

Reference
Home Builder Turns His Talents to Pleasanton Meadows Subdivision. (1970, May 17). Oakland Tribune. p. 34.
Rousseau's Meadows Selling 10 Per Week. (1968, June 16). Oakland Tribune, p. 1-C.

Dublin - Silvergate subdivision 1966

2009-06-12T20:07:00.000-07:00

Located in the rolling hills of Dublin, this advertisement from June 5, 1966 shows the desirable Silvergate subdivision. Built by the remarkable Tom Gentry (Gentry Development Company), Silvergate offered one and two-story homes starting at $23,950. These homes offered high-end features like coaxial T.V. cable; virtually unheard of for almost another decade. Although residents in the area could attest to poor or non-existent TV reception, making cable a virtual necessity.

Although these homes are located adjacent to the competiting master-planned San Ramon Village, Tom Gentry always choose to use the term "Dublin" to describe the location. At the time, Dublin was relatively unknown to home buyers west of the Village. However, the term began to show prominence in new home developments, even far into today's San Ramon.

Roughly speaking, the Silvergate subdivision (or "Silver Gate Homes" in the earlier phases) celebrated its grand opening in May 1963. The earliest known advertisement came in December 30, 1962 and announced a preview opening. Most homes were built off Peppertree Road and extended southward toward the Briar Hill subdivision, just west of San Ramon Road. Covering 150 acres, 400 homes were built between 1963 and 1967. The six model homes were designed by architect Norm Dyer. Tom Gentry, always an innovator, even included pools with some homes in the early phases.

Notice on the included map for Silvergate that Interstate 680 terminated at 580 and showed a dotted line for the future freeway.

Enjoy!

San Ramon Village - Unit 5 subdivision - 1961

2009-05-05T13:46:00.001-07:00

4 Bedroom homes with 2 sultan-size baths in San Ramon Village, starting at $15,995! Downgrade to a 3 bedroom model and the price drops to $13,995. Yes, this is 1961 pricing, but still an incredible deal.

This advertisement dated February 26, 1961 appeared in the Hayward Daily Review newspaper. It featured two popular models in the development: The Palm Springs and The Suburban. Unit #5 homes featured thermostatically-controlled heat, wallpaper, acoustical-type ceilings, and diamond-pane windows.

Unit 5 was the first segment in phase II of San Ramon Village, opening in early 1961. Unit 5 contains 234 homes and offered three and four bedroom homes. Unit 5 is the area bordered by I-680 on the west, Amador Valley Blvd on the south, Village Parkway on the east, and Tamarack Drive on the north. Although many of Volk-McClain's subdivisions used recycled home plans, the elevations on the Suburban and the Palm Springs were unique to the homes east of I-680.

San Ramon - Rancho Solana - 1967

2009-02-20T17:57:00.000-08:00

Opening in Fall of 1966, Kay Homes introduced Rancho Solana in San Ramon.

Originally offering 5 models ranging from a 3 bedroom 1,533 sq. ft. single-level to a 5 bedroom 2,229 sq. ft. two-story. Each model featured the panoramic "Vista Kitchen," which were billed as kitchens with wall-to-wall windows. A sixth 4-bedroom model was later introduced, but only found popularity by one buyer (not including the model).

The most popular model was the 4 bedroom/2 bathroom 1,795 sq. ft. rancher featuring a step-down living room and family room.

When Kay Homes either merged or was purchased by Dame Homes, Rancho Solana was renamed (correctly) to Rancho Solano.

The development sold out by the end of 1968.

The original models can by found on Winslow Place.

The newspaper clipping came from the Oakland Tribune on May 28, 1967, after Dame had renamed the development. The rendering is the actual backyard of 20 Winslow Place.

Dublin - San Ramon Village - Parkwood San Ramon subdivision 1962

2008-09-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

Here's a story from the Oakland Tribune dated November 18, 1962. It's reporting the opening of Parkwood San Ramon, new homes in San Ramon Village from $22,950 to $23,950.

Also included is a map of the subdivision, encompassing Wicklow Lane, Wickow Court, Ardmore Place, and a portion of Davona Drive in Dublin.

The subdivisions off Alcosta were generally referred to as the "Country Club Section," propagating this area to be upscale, thus, worth the extra cost.

The Parkwood San Ramon subdivision was developed by Monarch Construction and offered 102 homes in your choice of three models. The subdivision was largely completed in a single year, 1962.

An updated photo of a random home from Wicklow Lane is pictured. This particular model featured a unique "bonus room," which is the entire second floor. Parkwood San Ramon has the distinction of being Dublin's first two-story homes in a subdivision!

Enjoy!

Vintage Postcards: Dublin 1972

2008-08-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

Here's a beautiful postcard showing an aerial view of Dublin, San Ramon, and Mount Diablo.

The back of the postcard reads "Dublin, California. Aerial view of the fast-growing northern California community with Mt. Diablo in the background."

Visible is the San Ramon Drive-in, Dublin Cinema, and the Handyman home improvement center.

My guess is this postcard was taken in Spring 1972, possibly Spring 1971. The Shamrock Estates subdivision in Dublin has yet to be built (started in 1973) and what looks to be the California Classics subdivision way down Alcosta in San Ramon is under construction.

Previous postcards with views similar to this were titled "San Ramon Village" or "San Ramon." This is one of the earliest postcards with Dublin's own identify. San Ramon itself was still a town without an identity. Out-of-towners had trouble make the distinction. Some just called it "Dublin-San Ramon."

Enjoy the view!
Scott

Dublin - Ecco Park of San Ramon Subdivision 1967

2008-07-26T20:08:00.001-07:00

One of the largest subdivisions in Dublin, the Ecco Park of San Ramon subdivision contains nearly 600 homes in San Ramon Village.

The development opened on Sunday August 29, 1965, selling out and closing around August 1969. Original prices ranged from $17,950 for the Bayview model to $20,950 for the Newport model. As of today, homes for sale range from $429,950 to $685,500.

This article is from The Daily Review [Hayward], dated January 29, 1967. It shows a picture of the models, which started at 7124 Amador Valley Boulevard and worked their way westward. Additional models were added later (as well as renaming of the original model names). An updated picture from Google Maps shows the same homes today (notice someone hasn't put away their garbage can).

Included is a map of the development showing its enormity. Ecco Park of San Ramon occupies nearly the entire developable area south of Amador Valley Boulevard. Only a portion was purchased by the developers of Redwing Valley (later Appletree) subdivision.

In 1969, Ecco Park leapfrogged across Amador Valley Boulevard with a few homes on Emerald Avenue. The lots were pillaged from the Villa de San Ramon development (which was not unusual).

Ecco Park is constantly being referred to as "Echo Park" in real estate. Hopefully, some Realtors will see this post and start using its correct name.

Enjoy!

Pleasanton - Amador Estates subdivision - 1964

2008-07-21T21:54:00.000-07:00

Homes from $16,500 in Pleasanton? This ad from The Daily Review [Hayward] on August 16, 1964 shows one unbelievable deal.

The Amador Estates subdivision featured three models in "the sunshine belt." The model shown in the ad is the Candia model. The prominent front window is the master bedroom, but this model is occassional reversed with the master bedroom facing the back and the other two bedrooms facing the front. A current picture of a Candia model on Cortez Court is shown. The original show model was most likely at 1580 Santa Rita Road.

A map of Amador Estates is also shown. The subdivision borders Santa Rita Road, Valley Avenue, Alisal Elementary School, and Kolln Street.

Today, many of the homes in this neighborhood have been modified to varying degrees. Pleasanton's home values have skyrocketed and this neighborhood's excellent location next to Amador Valley Community Park, Amador Valley High School, Alisal Elementary School, shopping centers, and business parks makes this nearly-affordable neighborhood (on the Pleasanton scale) desirable.

Enjoy!
Scott

A Bit of Sweden in San Ramon Village

2008-07-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

Here's a newspaper clipping from April 16, 1961 from The Daily Review [Hayward] newspaper featuring the addition of decorative lamps to the masonary entrance gates of San Ramon Village. The Gates were located at the corners of Amador Valley Road and San Ramon Road.

According to the article, the handmade lamps were created in Sweden from fine steel and hand-blown glass.

For those of you who remember the signs, the "San Ramon Village" letters eventually fell off. First one letter, then two, then four. Eventually, they all were removed. Latery, the masonary gates split apart. When San Ramon Road was widened and landscaped, the gates were removed altogether. Today, nothing remains but the memory.

Enjoy!

Scott

San Ramon Village - Barkley Square Subdivision 1964

2008-06-27T13:35:00.001-07:00

Can you imagine new homes in Dublin started at $16,995? In 1964, it wasn't a dream, but a reality.

This ad from the Hayward Daily Review newspaper on March 1, 1964 advertises the new Barkley Square subdivision in San Ramon Village with 6 completely new models (a 2-story model was added later). Model names included "The Bridgeport," "The Westchester," "The Westmont," "The Hartford," "The Briarcliff," and "The Fairfield." Each featured 3 or 4 bedrooms.

This Volk-McLain development was the first subdivision on the east side of Village Parkway. By the grand opening of Barkley Square in March 1964, the original subdivision of San Ramon Village had sold out. The other Volk-McLain developments, Glenoaks, Brighton Circle, Country Club Park, and Sunny Glen were in full-swing or finishing up final phases of construction.

I've also attached a map of the subdivision. Dublin High School borders the development on the north. To the south is enormous Villa de San Ramon subdivision.

Enjoy!

San Ramon Village Postcard

2008-06-12T22:05:00.000-07:00

Here's a postcard with an aerial view of San Ramon Village. I estimate the date to be around 1965. In the foreground is the San Ramon Village Shopping Center (now Shamrock Village), complete with Safeway.

Visible subdivisions include the original San Ramon Village, with Glenoaks, Brighton Circle, and Parkwood east of Hwy 680, and Silvergate under construction west of Hwy 21 (San Ramon Road). Past the county line, you can see Country Club Park, Crestview, and the first few homes of Casa Manana. Up Alcosta on the right is Fairway Hills, with Sunny Glen just below it. Also visible, where "civilization" ends, are the walnut trees, later to be developed into the Walnut Hills subdivision. Farther towards Danville are the pine trees under the power lines, later adjacent to Pine Valley Road.

This postcard offers a rare glimpse of what the San Ramon Valley looked like before he increased urbanization of the area.

Enjoy!

Dublin - San Ramon Village - Redwing Valley Subdivision 1966

2008-06-06T15:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a newspaper article featuring the New Pacifica model in the Redwing Valley subdivision in San Ramon Village. The article is dated October 9, 1966.

A map showing the borders of Redwing Valley is shown. This subdivision is east of Village Parkway, roughly bordering Amador Valley Boulevard, Penn Drive, and King Way, near Wells Middle School.

Built by American Housing Guild, Redwing Valley featured 4 models with 3, 4, or 5 bedrooms (although, 2 more models may have been added later). A total 161 homes were built between 1965 and 1967. In 1967, the name of the subdivision was changed to "Appletree."

Featured in the article is the New Pacifica model, with the unique living room. A picture of New Pacifica model on Tory Court today is also shown.

Enjoy!

Pleasanton - Pleasanton Valley Subdivision 1965

2008-06-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

An ad for the famous Pleasanton Valley subdivision, dated May 1, 1965. This area, sometimes referred to as "bird land" north of Valley Avenue and "the woods" south of Valley Avenue, due to the developer's penchant to name streets like "Blackbird Way," "Canary Drive," "Beachwood Way," and "Baywood Court." This neighborhood remains one of the most-sought after areas due to its location, lots, and large homes.

Featured in the ad is the 4-bedroom Monterey model, with a picture of a similar model today on Crestline Drive.

In 1965, home prices ranged between $20,750 to $25,600, quite a deal since this model sells today between the $800,000 to million dollar + range.

Pleasanton Valley was developed by Morrison Homes and represents one of the first large-scale developments that paralleled San Ramon Village and Sunsetown in Livermore.

Enjoy!

San Ramon Village - Country Club Park Subdivision 1961

2008-05-29T09:22:00.001-07:00

Here's an ad for one of the earliest San Ramon Village subdivision, Country Club Park. Most of these homes are located in the San Ramon Country Club, now known as the San Ramon Royal Vista Golf Course. Built between 1961 and 1963, these homes were on some of the largest lots available in the Village.

This Volk-McLain Community Development included Georgia Oak flooring, Philippine mahogany and Tennessee ash, or Western knotty-pine cabinets. Quality features found in homes costing thousands more elsewhere.

Also attached is my map of the development, with subdivision borders in red. Streets in this development were named after other country clubs, such as Belle Meade, Medinah, Baltusrol, Sedgefield, and Inverness.
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This development, with its unique architecture, spacious homes, and large lots still remains highly sought-after.

Enjoy!
Scott

San Ramon - Fairway Hills Subdivision 1966

2008-05-26T11:59:00.000-07:00

This ad is for the Fairway Hills subdivision on the San Ramon Country Club (now San Ramon Royal Vista Country Club), built by Alpha Homes. Dated June 12, 1966, the ad features a traditional Dutch Colonial, typically built by German settlers in Pennsylvania as early as the 1600s. While hardly San Ramon, this elevation evoked a sense of nostalgia. The rest of the development's elevations were typically suburban 1960s.

The updated photo of this model was taken from Winged Foot Place. The original models were located on Boca Raton Court, where this elevation was featured.

Golf course homes on large lots continues to make this subdivision highly sought-after.

Enjoy!

Dublin - San Ramon Village - Glenoaks Subdivision 1964

2008-05-21T17:14:00.000-07:00

A newspaper article from the Oakland Tribune, dated January 19, 1964.

One of the earliest San Ramon Village subdivisions, Glenoaks epitomized low-cost housing with quality features in a completely new community.

Glenoaks was developed by Volk-McLain Community Development, the original developers of the immense San Ramon Village. Volk-McLain purchased 4,300 acres of land on both sides of the county line and broke ground in 1960.

This ad for Glenoaks pictured the Jamestown model. Prices started at an unbelievable $16,595! An updated photo of the same model, in reverse, was taken from the street of the original models on Bandon Drive in Dublin.

Enjoy!
Scott

San Ramon - Casa Manana Subdivision 1967

2008-05-19T22:19:00.000-07:00

A newspaper article from the Oakland Tribune, dated February 26, 1967.

This ad features the Casa Manana development in San Ramon. Generally, this tract is north of Alcosta, immediately east of 680 and running along Davona Drive. This is the second tract one encounters while driving north on Davona from Alcosta.

The model featured in the ad is compared to an updated picture of a similar model on Corrinne Place, possibly where the original models were located (photo courtesy of Google Maps Street View).

Enjoy!