Raising the roof: Parkwood’s two-story first in Dublin

Parkwood San Ramon logo

In the fall of 1962, as ranch homes ruled the suburban skyline and Dublin’s housing boom was still in its early chapters, Parkwood San Ramon quietly made local history. Developed by Monarch Construction of Los Angeles, this new subdivision wasn’t just another collection of mid-century homes—it introduced something the neighborhood had never seen before: the first two-story homes in what we now call Dublin.

With a clever mix of architectural flair, country club perks, and modern financing options, Parkwood raised more than just roofs—it raised the bar for what suburban living could be.

Map of Parkwood San Ramon Dublin
Location of the Parkwood San Ramon neighborhood in Dublin, California.

A country club lifestyle—with keys to match

The location was smart. Alcosta Boulevard, newly opened in 1961, led directly to the San Ramon Country Club, a freshly minted hotspot for golf, socializing, and suburban prestige. Monarch saw an opportunity—and leaned into it.

Their new homes, opening on November 18, 1962, came with a bonus far beyond a linen closet: every home included a complimentary one-year membership to the San Ramon Country Club. The message was clear—Parkwood wasn’t just a place to live, it was a lifestyle. And other developers would soon follow suit.

Ads for Parkwood proudly touted the country club connection, giving the neighborhood a refined edge in a still-forming community. Just off Alcosta, the “Country Club section” of San Ramon Village was born—not in name only, but in feeling.

Breaking the monopoly—and breaking ground

Until then, Volk-McLain had a near-total grip on home construction in the area. But with Parkwood, Monarch Construction became the first outside builder to stake a claim in the new community of San Ramon Village (today’s west Dublin and southern San Ramon).

More than just a fresh face, Monarch brought new ideas. Parkwood became the first local subdivision to offer VA and FHA-approved homes, making homeownership more accessible than ever. Veterans paid no down payment—just closing costs, a groundbreaking offer at the time. Unsurprisingly, Monarch’s marketing soon zeroed in on military families looking for a fresh start and a place to grow.

The two-story leap

Perhaps most notably, Parkwood San Ramon was the first development in Dublin proper to feature two-story homes—a rarity in an era where nearly everything was built flat to the earth. Though Volk-McLain would beat them (technically) to the punch with two-story homes in neighboring San Ramon, Parkwood’s Plan 3 made vertical living a real option for Dublin families—without compromising the modern ranch feel.

These “bonus room” second stories weren’t just novelties. They were flexible, airy, and unique—perfect for game rooms, dens, teenage hideouts, or anything else a family could dream up.

Planning the neighborhood

To bring Parkwood to life, Monarch purchased 267 lots from Volk-McLain for approximately $1.5 million. However, only 102 homes were constructed.

The homes were designed by David Freedman of Beverly Hills, blending ranch-style simplicity with subtle modernist touches. With three floor plans offered in four elevations, no two blocks looked exactly the same—an early nod to individuality in suburban planning.

Most homes embraced classic ranch and contemporary styles, but a few rare elevations still stand out today, adding architectural interest to this otherwise modest slice of history.

Parkwood San Ramon model homes

A model complex sat on Davona right off Alcosta.

Site of the Parkwood San Ramon model homes.

Pricing history
1962: $22,950 - $23,950
1963: $22,950 - $23,950
1964: $22,950 - $23,950

1. The Plan 1 - 3 bedrooms; 2 bathrooms; 1,502 sq. ft.

The original Plan 1 model today.

2. The Plan 2 - 4 bedrooms; 2 bathrooms; 1,464 sq. ft. 

Model hidden. Another Plan 2 down the street.

3. The Plan 3 - 3 bedrooms; 2 bathrooms; 1,526 to 1,940 sq. ft. The second story featured a unique "bonus room," which is the entire second floor.

The original Plan 3 today.

Fan favorite alternative elevation of the Plan 3.

A neighborhood with staying power

Parkwood San Ramon sold out in 1964 and every home in the subdivision had been claimed. While modest in size, its legacy looms large: first two-story homes in Dublin, first FHA/VA-approved financing, and a lifestyle-first approach that helped shape the identity of the surrounding neighborhoods.

Today, many of the homes have been reimagined—but all part of a story that helped turn open farmland into one of the Tri-Valley’s most desirable places to live.

Parkwood didn’t just add square footage to a second floor—it added character, accessibility, and ambition to a growing town. It invited families to look up, dream bigger, and maybe even make a tee time.

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