In the fall of 1962, as ranch homes ruled the suburban skyline and Dublin’s housing boom was still in its early chapters, the Parkwood new-home community quietly made local history. Developed by Monarch Construction of Los Angeles, this community wasn’t just another collection of mid-century homes—it introduced something the neighborhood had never seen before: the first two-story tract 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.
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| Daily Review ad from November 1962 announces the grand opening of Parkwood in Dublin, promoting stylish new homes with modern amenities and affordable financing options for growing Bay Area families. |
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 south San Ramon).
To bring Parkwood to life, Monarch purchased 267 lots from Volk-McLain for approximately $1.5 million. However, a count of the homes today reveals approximately 102 homes were built in 1962. Why Monarch didn’t complete their plan is unknown, but it may explain why Volk-McLain started the Glenoaks community next door as soon as Monarch finished building an initial set of homes.
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 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.
Selling the dream
The homes in Parkwood were designed by David Freedman of Beverly Hills, blending ranch-style simplicity with SoCal 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.
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.
Monarch held a grand opening on November 18, 1962, and every home came with a bonus far beyond a linen closet: 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.
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| December 1962 Oakland Tribune ad—Monarch marketed to veterans with one dollar closing costs for a new home in Parkwood. |
Legacy of Parkwood
Parkwood appears to have sold out in 1964 and concluded building in the area. 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 first communities.
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.
The original Parkwood models and sales materials
When Monarch Contruction introduced Parkwood in 1962, prospective buyers encountered the community through its model homes. The models showcased the different designs, floor plans, and lifestyles the builder was offering to buyers in Dublin.
The original model homes provide a way to revisit that introduction. The guide below shows where Monarch Construction's models were located, preserves the original sales material where available, and explores the designs the builder offered to prospective buyers when the community was new.
Original model home complex
Parkwood's three original model homes were arranged on Davona Drive around a temporary sales complex that welcomed prospective buyers during the neighborhood's grand opening in 1962.
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Original advertised prices
- November 1962 advertisement: $22,950 - $23,950
- 1963: $22,950 - $23,950
- 1964: $22,950 - $23,950
Original model home designs
1. The Plan 1 - This model offered approximately 1,500 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
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| Original Plan 1 model today via Google Street View. |
2. The Plan 2 - This model offered approximately 1,464 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
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| Original model no longer visible. A nearby Plan 2 home is shown for comparison via Google Street View. |
3. The Plan 3 - This model offered approximately 1,500 to 1900 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The second story featured a unique "bonus room," which is the entire second floor.
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| Original Plan 3 today via Google Street View. |
Collections
Dublin — the neighborhoods that built a new city
This collection explores the new-home communities, builders, and neighborhoods that shaped Dublin during its principle years of suburban growth that gradually became the modern city.
The San Ramon Village collection explores the master-planned community that transformed former ranches and orchards into today's Dublin and South San Ramon. Although the name has largely disappeared, the neighborhoods, subdivisions, schools, parks, and shopping centers built as part of the original plan continue to shape the Tri-Valley.
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