Dublin's San Ramon Village: 1960–1962 homes & subdivision history

A photo of The Waikiki (Plan D), a rare “tropical modern” style home featuring bold window treatments and clean mid-century lines. This unique design was seldom built, and only a few original homes remain today.

Welcome to San Ramon Village

Before Dublin was a city—and before I-580 and I-680 were more than dotted lines on Caltrans planning maps—there was San Ramon Village. Built between 1960 and 1962 by developers Volk-McLain, this early subdivision marks a pivotal chapter in the East Bay’s suburban expansion and represents the first large-scale residential tract in Dublin.

For local historians, San Ramon Village isn’t just a quaint neighborhood with mid-century charm. It’s where the city's modern residential history began—a model for the postwar suburban ideal in a region poised for explosive growth.

Map showing the location of San Ramon Village in Dublin, California. The neighborhood is highlighted within the city’s residential grid, situated between San Ramon Road and Village Parkway, north of Amador Valley Boulevard. Streets such as Tamarack Drive and Burton Street are visible, representing the heart of the 1960s San Ramon Village subdivision.
Map of the San Ramon Village neighborhood in Dublin, California.

A village is planted

San Ramon Village officially opened on Labor Day weekend, 1960. By the end of the year, the first residents had moved in, drawn by the promise of quiet streets, modern homes, and scenic views of the Dublin Hills.

Strategically located between Alcosta Boulevard and Amador Valley Road, the neighborhood was situated at a future commuter nexus. Its location anticipated what was to come: freeway access, commercial growth, and the eventual incorporation of the City of Dublin in 1982.

But in 1960, this was still farmland and orchard country—and San Ramon Village was the first serious attempt at turning that rural landscape into a suburban future.

A vintage 1960 newspaper ad announcing the grand opening of San Ramon Village in Dublin, California. The ad features mid-century fonts and illustrations of tidy tract homes with manicured lawns. Promotional phrases like “city close, country quiet” highlight the neighborhood’s suburban appeal with convenient access to urban life.
From a 1960 San Francisco Chronicle ad—4,000 acres of peaceful countryside that could be your new home.

Architecture & ambition

The homes were the work of Raymond Dean Conwell, AIA (1925–1965), a mid-century architect who collaborated closely with Volk-McLain on several Tri-Valley developments. Conwell’s designs blended efficiency with flair—single-story homes that were accessible, stylish, and ready for the Baby Boom era.

These homes weren’t just boxes—they were thoughtfully planned, with features like:

  • Thermostatically controlled heating

  • Acoustical ceilings

  • Philippine mahogany or knotty pine cabinetry

  • Diamond-pane windows

  • Built-in appliances and colorful tiled baths

For first-time homebuyers, prices started at $13,995—a bargain, even in 1960. As advertising emphasized, these homes weren’t just affordable—they were aspirational.

Plans, models & marketing strategy

Volk-McLain offered five main floor plans (Plans D, E, J, L, and M), each available in multiple elevations or “models” with names like The Hacienda, The Waikiki, or The Cape Cod. While other developers often named floor plans, Volk-McLain’s model names typically referred to the facade, not the layout—leading to some confusion on model home tours!

By the end of 1960, the model complex at Hillrose Drive and Donohue Drive had expanded from 8 to 12 sample homes, each with a manicured front yard and rear paths for touring. These weren’t just homes—they were stage sets for a lifestyle, marketed directly to young families eager for roots in a growing town.

A small map showing the site of the San Ramon Village model home complex located on Hillrose Drive in Dublin, California.
Map of the San Ramon Village model home complex on Hillrose Drive in Dublin.

Pricing history

  • 1960: $13,995 +
  • 1961: $14,995 +
  • 1962: $14,995 +

Model homes

1. The Bel Aire (Plan J-?) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,338 - 1345 sq. ft.

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

3. The Hacienda (Plan D-1) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,038 sq. ft.

Vintage 1960 San Francisco Chronicle ad showing a close-up detail of The Hacienda model home, highlighting its distinctive window coverings and unique roof trim.
From a 1960 San Francisco Chronicle ad—close up detail of The Hacienda with its window coverings and unique roof trim. 

4. The Farmhouse (Plan E-7) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,116 sq. ft. 

5. The Cape Cod (Plan J-3) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,338 - 1345 sq. ft.

6. The Mount Vernon (Plan E-?) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,080 – 1,116~ sq. ft.

7. The Waikiki (Plan D-?) - 3 bedrooms, 2-bathrooms, 1,038 sq. ft.

Vintage 1960 Oakland Tribune ad featuring the original Waikiki model home, showcasing its iconic tropical modern design with bold lines and distinctive architectural details.
From a 1960 Oakland Tribune ad—the original Waikiki model in all its tropical modern glory.

8. The New Orleans (Plan E-7) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,080 – 1,116~ sq. ft.

From a 1961 Oakland Tribune ad—artist’s rendering of the New Orleans elevation, highlighting its smart and stylish architectural design with clean lines and charming details.
From a 1961 Oakland Tribune ad—artist's rendering of the smartly designed New Orleans elevation.

Alternative Cape Cod elevation, The New England (E-8). It wasn't shown in the model complex.

From a 1962 newspaper rendering—The New England model, featuring classic Colonial-style architecture with symmetrical windows, a central doorway, and traditional detailing.
The New England design in its heyday.

9. The Westerner (Plan J-?) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,338 - 1345 sq. ft.

10. The San Ramon (Plan M-1) - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,424 sq. ft.

Alternative contemporary elevation, The Palm Springs (M-?). It wasn't shown in the model complex.

From a 1962 newspaper rendering—The Palm Springs home, showcasing mid-century modern design with clean lines, large windows, and a sleek, minimalist silhouette.
The Palm Springs design in its heyday.

11. The Southerner (Plan L-7) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,475 sq. ft.

12. The Suburban (Plan L-1) - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,475 sq. ft.

Alternative contemporary elevation, The Westwood (L-?). It was released in Unit 5 and wasn't shown in the model complex.

San Ramon Village today

Here’s what the former San Ramon Village model homes look like today.

The Bel Aire today

Current photo of the Bel Aire model home in San Ramon Village, Dublin, California — a well-preserved mid-century ranch-style home with a low-pitched roof, wide eaves, and updated landscaping. Originally built with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, spanning approximately 1,338–1,345 sq. ft.
The original Bel Aire model today.

The Ranchero today

Current photo of the Ranchero model home in San Ramon Village, Dublin, California — a single-story, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with classic 1960s ranch details such as a front-facing gable, horizontal siding, and modest porch area, measuring about 1,116 sq. ft.
The original Ranchero model today.

The Hacienda today

Current photo of the Hacienda model home in San Ramon Village, Dublin, California — a compact 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with approximately 1,038 sq. ft., featuring classic mid-century lines, a small front porch, and subtle Spanish-style design influences.
The original Hacienda model today.

The Farmhouse today

Current photo of the Farmhouse model home in San Ramon Village, Dublin, California — a 1,116 sq. ft., 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence with traditional ranch styling, modest vertical wood siding, and a simple rectangular footprint reminiscent of its namesake.
The original Farmhouse model today.

The Cape Cod today

Current photo of the Cape Cod model home in San Ramon Village, Dublin, California — a charming 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence (approx. 1,338–1,345 sq. ft.) with signature Colonial-style symmetry, a steeply pitched roof, and minimal front landscaping typical of early 1960s suburbia.
The original Cape Cod model today.

The Mount Vernon today

Current photo of the Mount Vernon model home in San Ramon Village, Dublin, California — a compact 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home (1,080–1,116 sq. ft. est.) featuring a gabled roofline and modest traditional styling that nods to its stately namesake in name only.
The original Mount Vernon model today.

The Waikiki today

Current photo of the Waikiki model home in San Ramon Village, Dublin, California — a breezy 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom mid-century residence (1,038 sq. ft.) with low-slung rooflines and subtle tropical flair, evoking early suburban takes on Hawaiian modernism.
The original Waikiki model today. Adornments sadly removed.

The New Orleans today

Current photo of the New Orleans model home in San Ramon Village, Dublin, California — a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house (approx. 1,080–1,116 sq. ft.) with minimal Southern styling; its understated façade gives little hint of the festive name it bears.
The original New Orleans model today. Completely renovated.

The Westerner today

Current photo of the Westerner model home in San Ramon Village, Dublin, California — a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home (1,338–1,345 sq. ft.) with a wide, welcoming ranch profile and modest Western styling, still standing proud in its original layout.
The original Westerner model today.

The San Ramon today

Current photo of the San Ramon model home in San Ramon Village, Dublin, California — a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom plan (1,424 sq. ft.) showcasing generous front windows and a balanced elevation; a quintessential early '60s suburban design, named for the city it helped define.
The original San Ramon model today.

The Southerner today

Current photo of the Southerner model home in San Ramon Village, Dublin, California — a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home (1,475 sq. ft.) featuring a long, low roofline and traditional ranch elements; still radiating mid-century warmth with subtle Southern charm.
The original Southerner model today. Completely renovated.

The Suburban today

Current photo of the Suburban model home in San Ramon Village, Dublin, California — a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home (1,475 sq. ft.) with a clean, symmetrical façade and wide eaves; designed for classic suburban living with modern convenience in mind.
The original Suburban model today. Completely renovated.

A closer look at the buildout

Between 1960 and 1961, 874 homes were constructed across five development phases:

  • 1960: Four units released; ~650 homes constructed

  • Early 1961: Final unit (Unit 5) opened with 234 additional homes

  • 1962: Final homes sold

This was no scattered subdivision. San Ramon Village was methodically planned—from curvilinear street patterns to consistent setbacks and architectural variation.

Volk-McLain would later apply this model to other nearby developments, including Country Club Park (San Ramon), Barkley Square, and Brighton Circle, helping shape the identity of what would become Dublin and San Ramon.

Historical significance

San Ramon Village is more than just Dublin’s first subdivision—it’s the blueprint for what the city would become. Its:

  • Master-planned layout

  • Mass-produced homes with stylistic variation

  • Proximity to future freeways

  • Role in establishing community identity

…all point to its significance in the Tri-Valley’s transition from agriculture to suburbia.

Without San Ramon Village, modern Dublin's story would have begun differently.

A lasting legacy

As Volk-McLain wrapped up the project in 1962, the development had already made its mark. Families planted roots. Streets gained names. Dublin began to evolve.

Today, San Ramon Village continues to serve as a living archive of early suburban optimism, a place where the 1960s American Dream met Tri-Valley farmland—and stayed.

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