Pleasanton Valley history: Pleasanton's 1964–1979 neighborhood development

From 1964 to 1979, Pleasanton Valley quietly transformed Pleasanton from a rural crossroads into a thriving hometown. Developed by Morrison Homes on the former Orloff Ranch, this neighborhood became one of the city’s largest and most defining suburban expansions—home to over 1,470 families.

For 15 straight years, Pleasanton families had something new to look forward to: a fresh model home to tour, a new floor plan to dream about, and another reason to fall in love with this growing community.

Map of the Pleasanton Valley neighborhood in Pleasanton, California.

A neighborhood of birds, trees—and families

Locals often called it “Birdland” or “The Woods,” thanks to the whimsical street names inspired by birds and trees. But the names weren’t what made Pleasanton Valley special. It was the families. Generations of kids rode bikes past new construction, splashed through sprinklers in front yards, and chased each other through parks and cul-de-sacs. Nearly everyone in Pleasanton at the time either lived there, had a friend there, or remembers growing up just a few streets away.

Building a community: parks, schools, and a swim club

Attracted by the town’s rural charm and lively downtown, buyers snapped up homes as fast as Morrison could build them. The neighborhood offered more than just houses—it brought life to the area with new parks, schools like Walnut Grove Elementary and Harvest Park Middle, and community staples like the Pleasanton Valley Swim Club. It had everything a growing family needed.

From the Oakland Tribune in June 1964—four bedrooms, one ironing board, and a future full of PTA meetings. In Pleasanton Valley, the skies are bluer, the kids are cleaner, and the casseroles practically bake themselves. Isn’t it time you lived the dream?

From the Oakland Tribune in June 1965—long summer days, the smell of Coppertone and chlorine, and the echo of kids laughing at Pleasanton Valley Swim Club. Some readers might remember Mr. Volonte, the beloved Amador Valley High teacher.

The 1964 homes of Pleasanton Valley — Pleasanton Valley Series

Model complex (1964–1965): Greentree Court

The first model complex opened on Greentree Court in August 1964.

Site of the first Pleasanton Valley model homes on Greentree Court.

Pricing history

• 1964: $20,300 +
• 1965: $20,750 - $25,600

Model homes

1. The Terrace House - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,970 sq. ft.

2. The Country House - 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,540 sq. ft.

3. The Arbor House - 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,716 sq. ft.

4. The Garden House - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

5. The Monterey House - 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,047 sq. ft. Added in 1965.

Pleasanton Valley Series today

Here’s what the original first phase Pleasanton Valley models look like today.

The Terrace House today

The original Terrace House model today.

The Country House today

The original Country House model today.

The Arbor House today

The original Arbor House model today (with second-story addition).

The Garden House today

The original Garden House model today (with addition).

The Monterey House today

The original Monterey House model today.

The 1966 homes of Pleasanton Valley — Walnut Grove Series

Following the success of its early homes, Morrison Homes launched Pleasanton Valley’s second phase—the Walnut Grove Series—between 1966 and 1968. This period saw the neighborhood grow not only in size, but in identity. Built on former farmland just outside downtown Pleasanton, many homes were placed on generous lots—some over 11,000 square feet—and came with mature walnut trees from the original orchard. Suburbia still felt close to the land here.

This phase introduced nine distinct home models, including the stately Heritage House, the adaptable Country House, and the stylish Monterey House, which featured gas-lit lampposts and classic porches—a nod to Pleasanton’s small-town charm. These homes weren’t just about square footage; they were about function, family, and flexibility, with layouts that included dedicated pantries, multi-use rooms, and modern conveniences.

The Walnut Grove model complex, located on Meadowwood Court, became a magnet for growing families. Vintage newspaper ads invited parents to imagine life with more space, more storage, and more of everything they needed to settle down. The homes balanced affordability with upscale touches, and by the end of 1968, Pleasanton Valley was well on its way to becoming one of the city’s most recognizable and enduring neighborhoods.

Pictured: The Monterey House model in 1968, complete with a gas-lit lamppost — one of many thoughtful details that made Pleasanton Valley feel like home.

The 1969 homes of Pleasanton Valley — Something Special Series

Pleasanton Valley's third phase of development, the Something Special series, represented a bold leap forward in suburban design. Between 1969 and 1974, Morrison Homes introduced five innovative model homes that captivated the public and set a new standard for residential living. Designed by architect Jack Bloodgood and styled by interior designer Julie Sherman, these homes brought modern elegance to the neighborhood. With dramatic architectural features like sunken conversation pits, vaulted ceilings, and expansive garden-view kitchens, the Something Special series quickly became a local sensation.

People flocked to the grand openings, eager to experience the homes that boasted everything the modern homemaker never knew she needed. The Something Special homes were not just houses—they were events, celebrated for their innovative layouts and striking design elements. Over a period of five years, these homes helped define Pleasanton Valley as a community of choice for growing families and executives alike.

From the Oakland Tribune in February 1969—the grand opening ad that captured the excitement surrounding the debut of the Something Special homes.

From the Oakland Tribune in March 1969—the dramatic grand staircase in the Regency House model—one of the signature features that drew crowds to the Something Special homes.

The 1976 homes of Pleasanton Valley — Executive Series

In 1976, Morrison Homes introduced the Executive Series, the fourth phase of Pleasanton Valley. Designed for buyers seeking more space and sophistication, these three- and four-bedroom homes offered cathedral ceilings, exposed beams, and the era-defining sunken conversation pit. Built on spacious, pool-sized lots, they reflected Pleasanton’s shift toward modern suburban living.

By late 1977, all 79 homes from this series were sold — closing out another successful chapter in the neighborhood’s evolution.

A conversation pit in the 2213 from October 1976.

1978 the last hurrah — Creeks Bend

As the neighborhood matured, so did Pleasanton. Urban growth and new limits on expansion slowed development in the 1970s, but Morrison had one last act: Creeks Bend—a small but distinct area south of Del Valle Parkway. With just 65 homes, it was a more intimate close to a large-scale project. People came to image one last chance to be part of the neighborhood that had defined Pleasanton’s growth for more than a decade.

By the end of 1979, the final lots were sold, and Pleasanton Valley was complete.

A neighborhood that raised a town

Pleasanton Valley wasn’t just a place to live — it became a place to grow up. By the mid-70s, generations were already overlapping: the first kids to ride their bikes to Walnut Grove Elementary were now babysitting the next round of toddlers. The Pleasanton Valley Swim Club, school carnivals, and weekend garage sales stitched together a sense of place that few other neighborhoods could match.

In many ways, Morrison Homes didn’t just build houses — it built Pleasanton’s memory lane. It built the backdrop to birthday parties, high school graduations, and backyard barbecues that turned neighbors into lifelong friends.

Related posts

• Walnut Grove Series: 1966–1968 homes in Pleasanton Valley
• Something Special Series: 1969–1974 homes in Pleasanton Valley
• Executive Series: 1976–1977 homes in Pleasanton Valley
• Creeks Bend Series: 1978–1979 homes in Pleasanton Valley