Pleasanton's Del Prado: 1969–1972 Mackay homes & subdivision history

A typical two-story home in the Del Prado subdivision of Pleasanton, built between 1969 and 1972 by Mackay Homes. The house features early California and Spanish-style elements including arched openings, stucco exterior, and a low-pitched tile roof, typical of the era’s suburban revival architecture.

A Spanish-style statement in early suburban Pleasanton

Between 1969 and 1972, Mackay Homes brought a distinct architectural vision to Pleasanton under the name Del Prado. These homes were large, thoughtfully designed, and steeped in Spanish and Early California styling—stucco exteriors, tile roofs, and bold street presence.

Though Mackay was not the only builder in the area—Ditz-Crane and others were constructing homes side-by-side during the same years—their designs stood apart. Where others built simple ranches, Mackay offered a more dramatic and aspirational alternative, with model names like Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid evoking the romance of Mediterranean living.

At a time when most new Pleasanton homes sold for well under $30,000, Mackay’s models started at $29,950 and climbed to over $40,000 by 1972—a premium price that reflected their scale, detailing, and upscale positioning. These weren’t just homes. They were a vision for a new kind of suburban life, crafted with California character and sold with a touch of flair.

Selling a lifestyle: features and innovations that set Mackay homes apart

When Mackay Homes introduced their Del Prado models in 1969, they weren’t just selling houses—they were offering a modern lifestyle full of thoughtful details and conveniences. The advertising and model homes showcased cutting-edge features for the time: self-cleaning ovens in spacious kitchens, master-bedroom retreats designed for privacy and comfort, and optional fireplaces to add warmth and charm.

Inside, buyers found dramatic touches like sweeping circular staircases and ceramic tile entryways that created a grand first impression. Luxurious bathrooms featured walls of mirrors over vanities, blending style and function. These elements reflected Mackay’s commitment to elevated suburban living—homes built not just for shelter, but for a new era of comfort, elegance, and family life.

The combination of Spanish-inspired design with these modern innovations gave Del Prado homes a unique appeal, inviting residents to experience both California heritage and forward-looking luxury under one roof.

A 1969 vintage advertisement for the grand opening of the Del Prado subdivision in Pleasanton by Mackay Homes. The ad features an illustrated view of the landscaped model home complex and promotes five new model homes styled with Early California Spanish influences. Text highlights include phrases like “The finest home show in the East Bay” and “The New Look of 1969.”
Vintage advertisement from June 1969 announcing the grand opening of Del Prado in Pleasanton by Mackay Homes. Billed as “The finest home show in the East Bay,” the ad introduced five fully decorated and landscaped model homes, showcasing the “New Look of 1969.” With styling inspired by Early California Spanish heritage, Del Prado embodied the era’s suburban optimism and regional flair.

The Mackay sections of Del Prado

Mackay’s homes were concentrated in two main sections within the Del Prado subdivision:

Paseo del Cajon (1969–1970): The site of the original model home court, featuring five fully decorated and landscaped models that helped launch the neighborhood’s identity.

Map of the Del Prado neighborhood centered on Calle del Cajon, highlighting the first line of homes built between 1969 and 1970.
Between 1969 and 1970, Mackay's first line of Del Prado homes were built around Paseo del Cajon.

Calle Reynoso / Unit 8 (1971–1972): A later expansion where Mackay introduced new models like the Carmel, continuing their blend of Spanish styling and suburban comfort.

Map of the Del Prado neighborhood centered on Calle Reynoso, showing the first homes constructed between 1971 and 1972.
Between 1971 and 1972, 68 of Mackay's first line of Del Prado homes were built around Calle Reynoso, also called Unit 8.

The homes of Del Prado

When the five models opened in June 1969 on a corner of Paseo del Cajon, the street was sod-covered—no asphalt—inviting families to imagine una vida encantadora (a charming life). A sixth model opened in 1971, and just a year later, all the model homes were sold off in mid-1972.

Small aerial view of the site of the first Mackay Del Prado model homes on Paseo del Cajon, showing early home placements and surrounding streets.
Map of the first Mackay Homes Del Prado model homes on Paseo del Cajon.

Pricing history

  • 1969: $29,950 +
  • 1970: $31,950 +
  • 1971: $32,990 - $39,990
  • 1972: $35,650 - $40,300

Model homes

1. The Barcelona (Plan 9025) - 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,358 sq. ft. One of the largest and most striking models, it featured a dramatic grand staircase and spacious living areas.

From a 1969 Oakland Tribune ad: interior view of the Barcelona model featuring a dramatic grand staircase, where a woman poses at the landing as if accepting an Oscar award.
From an October 1969 Oakland Tribune ad—she's at the bottom of the staircase, but make no mistake—she’s already at the top. Whether it’s an Oscar, a crown, or just the Avon lady at the door, she’s ready to accept.

2. The Monterey (Plans 8924/8925) - 4 or 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,506 sq. ft This two-story home combined traditional California features with generous space and distinctive window arrangements, making it a popular choice for families wanting room to grow.

3. The Seville (Plan 8804) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,925 sq. ft. A spacious single-story plan, it was designed for comfortable living and entertaining, with large windows and open interiors.

4. The Madrid (Plan 8623) - 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,870 sq. ft. It offered classic lines and a cozy two-story layout, featuring charming architectural details true to the Spanish Revival style.

5. The Valencia (Plan 8703) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,550 sq. ft. A smaller single-story home, it balanced affordability with the signature Mackay look, appealing to buyers seeking style without sacrificing value.

6. The Carmel (Plan 9104) - 4 bedrooms or 3 and a retreat, 2 bathrooms, 1,790 sq. ft. Added in 1971 to coincide with the release of the 8th unit of homes.

Vintage October 1971 ad announcing the Carmel model at Del Prado in Pleasanton, featuring the tagline “Mackay Homes’ new Carmel may be the home you’ve been waiting for!” and showcasing a widely favored floorplan.
October 1971 vintage ad for the newly introduced Carmel model at Del Prado in Pleasanton. Promoted with the tagline “Mackay Homes’ new Carmel may be the home you’ve been waiting for!”, the ad highlights a popular and efficient floorplan aimed at growing suburban families.

The Granada (Plan 8624) - 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,190 sq. ft. A distinctive tri-level design, it featured unique rooflines and multi-level living areas. No model was shown in the complex, but later examples remain part of the neighborhood fabric.

Del Prado today

Here’s what the former model homes at Del Prado look like today.

The Barcelona (Plan 9025) today

Exterior photo of the 1969 Barcelona model home in Del Prado, Pleasanton, showing a two-story Mediterranean-style house with stucco walls, tall roof, and large windows.
The original 1969 Barcelona model home in Del Prado, Pleasanton, remains a striking example of Mediterranean-inspired architecture, featuring its iconic stucco exterior, roof, and grand staircase.

The Monterey (Plans 8924/8925) today

Front view of the 1969 two-story Monterey model home in Del Prado, Pleasanton, featuring arched windows, stucco walls, and a red tile roof surrounded by mature greenery.
The two-story Monterey model, known for its elegant elevation and large window details, continues to showcase classic Spanish revival elements with mature landscaping in Del Prado.

The Seville (Plan 8804) today

Photo of the extended Seville model home in Del Prado, Pleasanton, showing a single-story stucco house with large windows, a tile roof, and well-kept front yard.
The original single-story Seville model, now extended for additional living space, displays its spacious layout and large front windows, embodying the relaxed California lifestyle of the era.

The Madrid (Plan 8623) today

Front exterior of the Madrid model home in Del Prado, Pleasanton, a two-story house featuring stucco walls, red tile roof, arched windows, and a landscaped front yard.
The two-story Madrid model stands out with its distinctive roofline and classic Spanish detailing, well-preserved in this Del Prado residence.

The Valencia (Plan 8703) today

Exterior image of the single-story Valencia model home in Del Prado, Pleasanton, showing stucco walls, tile roof, front porch, and neat landscaping.
The Valencia model offers a charming single-story layout with clean architectural lines and a welcoming front porch, exemplifying Del Prado’s early suburban character.

The Carmel (Plan 9104) today

Photo of the Carmel model home in Del Prado, Pleasanton, showing a single-story stucco house with tile roofing, large windows, and a tidy front yard.
The Carmel model, introduced in 1971 and since expanded, is a single-story plan with spacious interiors and a well-maintained yard that reflects the home’s enduring appeal.

A Granada (Plan 8624) today

No model was shown, instead here is a typical Granada home.

Photo of a Granada-style home in Del Prado, Pleasanton, showing a multi-level stucco house with tile roofing and distinctive Spanish-inspired design features.
A different Granada-style home in the Del Prado neighborhood, illustrating the variety of architectural interpretations within the subdivision.

The legacy of Mackay Homes' impact on Pleasanton’s suburban identity

Mackay’s Del Prado homes stand as a vivid chapter in Pleasanton’s suburban history—a moment when homebuilding embraced architectural distinction and cultural storytelling alongside rapid growth.

By blending Spanish-inspired design with modern floor plans and premium finishes, Mackay helped shape a neighborhood that offered more than shelter: it offered a sense of place and aspiration. Even decades later, these homes continue to tell the story of Pleasanton’s transition from small town to stylish suburb, capturing the spirit of an era defined by optimism, community, and a distinct California character.

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