Glenoaks — tract homes in Dublin (1963)

Between 1963 and 1965, Volk-McLain built the 137-home Glenoaks neighborhood in Dublin, California. Opening with a cheerful optimism on May 18, 1963, Glenoaks marked the final chapter in the San Ramon Village area where a conventional home could still be had by a working-class family—without stretching beyond their means.

Glenoaks opened with homes for just $395 down, a price already low by regional standards of the day. Then it dropped—to $295.

Then $195.

By summer 1964, the promise of homeownership came with a modest deposit and a handshake, making Glenoaks one of the last strongholds of true affordability in the East Bay. Ads beckoned buyers with cheerful models like the Coronado and Jamestown, pairing affordability with designer flair.

Vintage newspaper ad from June 21, 1964, promoting homes in the Glenoaks neighborhood with the bold headline “$195 Moves You In Now!” The black-and-white ad features illustrations of single-story homes, enthusiastic promotional language, and details about low down payments and affordable financing options aimed at new homebuyers.
Ad for Glenoaks from June 21, 1964, where just $195 move you in today.

Where is Glenoaks in Dublin?

Annotated aerial map showing the boundaries of the Glenoaks neighborhood in Dublin.
Annotated aerial map of the Glenoaks tract in Dublin, California. Base imagery from Google Maps.

Selling the tract

The homes themselves were based on the same five Raymond Dean Conwell, AIA-designed floor plans used in Volk-McLain's earlier San Ramon Village and Brighton Circle developments nearby. But here, they came with small upgrades: shake roofs, marble vanity tops, signature X-timbering, and birdhouse ornaments perched above garages. Glenoaks was frugal, yes—but never plain.

A total of eight elevations were offered, giving the illusion of greater variety while keeping costs down. Glenoaks was also one of the last neighborhoods in the area where that famous “birdhouse” garage gable became something of a calling card.

Black-and-white newspaper ad dated September 1, 1963, announcing the grand opening of the Glenoaks neighborhood and showcasing the charming Coronado model. The ad features illustrated renderings of the home, promotional text highlighting its 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and marketing phrases emphasizing affordability and modern living.
A grand-opening ad from September 1, 1963 with the charming Coronado model.

Black-and-white newspaper photo from 1963 showing the original Cape Cod model home in the Glenoaks neighborhood of Dublin. The single-story house features classic Cape Cod architectural elements, including a gabled roof, shuttered windows, and a neatly manicured front lawn.
The original Cape Cod model in 1963 with wide eaves to provide shade.

Pricing history of Glenoaks homes

  • 1963: $16,595 +
  • 1964: $16,595 - $18,995
  • 1965: $16,595 +

The homes of Glenoaks

Visitors to the Glenoaks model complex on Bandon Drive at Kimball Avenue found themselves walking through a parade of cheerful, carefully staged homes. It opened in 1963 with five models (plans D, E, J, L, and M), later expanding to eight in total—each offering a distinct personality but the same promise: you can afford this.

Aerial view of the former Glenoaks model home site along Brandon Drive in Dublin, California. The photo shows a residential neighborhood with single-story homes, tree-lined streets, driveways, and surrounding developments, highlighting the area where the original model homes once stood.
Annotated aerial map of the Glenoaks model home complex on Brandon Drive. Base imagery from Apple Maps.

Model homes of Glenoaks

1. The Design 1 (Plan M-?) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,424 sq. ft.

2. The Cape Cod (Plan J-?) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,338 sq. ft.

3. The Design 3 (Plan E-?) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,080 - 1,116~ sq. ft.

4. The Jamestown (Plan D-?) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,066 sq. ft.

5. The Coronado (Plan L-?) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,475 sq. ft.

6. The Design 6 (Plan M-?) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,424 sq. ft.

7. The Vermont (Plan J-?) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,338 sq. ft.

8. The Catalina (Plan E-?) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,080 sq. ft.

Current appearance of the original Design 1 home in Dublin's Glenoaks.
Original Design 1 (unknown name) model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Cape Cod home in Dublin's Glenoaks.
Original Cape Cod model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Design 3 home in Dublin's Glenoaks.
Original Design 3 model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Jamestown home in Dublin's Glenoaks.
Original Jamestown model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Coronado home in Dublin's Glenoaks.
Original Coronado model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Design 6 home in Dublin's Glenoaks.
Original Design 6 model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Vermont home in Dublin's Glenoaks.
Original Vermont model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Catalina home in Dublin's Glenoaks.
Original Catalina model today via Google Street View.

Legacy of Glenoaks

By early 1965, Glenoaks was fully sold out. It marked the end of Volk-McLain’s homebuilding presence in the San Ramon Village area—and, arguably, the end of an era.

For all intents and purposes, every home built in the core of San Ramon Village—from San Ramon Road to Village Parkway—shared the same five floor plans. What changed was the name, the trim, and the terms. But Glenoaks stood out. It brought upgraded design touches to working-class buyers at a time when homeownership still felt like a reachable dream.

The Glenoaks promise was simple: a good home, for a fair price, with just enough charm to make it yours.

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