Inside Oak Creek: San Ramon's 1965–1968 model homes & neighborhood legacy

A historical tour of Oak Creek, San Ramon (1965–1968)

Explore Oak Creek in San Ramon through vintage 1965–1968 newspaper ads and see what the original model homes look like today. A curated archive for fans of 1960s–70s architecture, suburban design, and East Bay history.

Logo for the Oak Creek development in San Ramon, used in marketing materials from the mid-1960s.

Welcome to Oak Creek, 1965–1968

Between 1965 and 1968, a quiet walnut orchard in south San Ramon became the stage for a bold experiment in suburban living. Visionary developer Tom Gentry didn’t just build homes; he built stories, blending rustic charm with futuristic innovations that turned heads and sparked curiosity. Gentry’s Oak Creek development wasn’t merely a place to live—it was a place to marvel.

Map showing the location of Oak Creek and The Orchards neighborhoods in south San Ramon, California, on former walnut orchard land.
Location of the Oak Creek neighborhood in San Ramon, California.

Oak Creek, not just a name

Oak Creek, Gentry’s first San Ramon subdivision, is set in a former walnut orchard and named after a tranquil creek winding through the property. Gentry showcased authenticity by crafting homes featuring rustic wainscoting, Spanish courtyards, and handcrafted front doors. Each detail reflected California’s rich heritage, making these homes feel less like structures and more like extensions of the land’s history. Priced from $18,960, they sold quickly, drawing families eager for character and quality.

1965 newspaper ad announcing the grand opening of Oak Creek, featuring rustic-style homes in San Ramon’s first major subdivision.
From a 1965 Oakland Tribune ad—grand opening of Oak Creek.

Gentry’s commitment to quality extended to the smallest details—like four available fireplace facades.

1967 newspaper ad showing four customizable fireplace facades available in Oak Creek homes—an early example of buyer choice in tract housing.
From a 1967 Oakland Tribune ad—Fireplace choice as architectural anchor is early 'buyer empowerment' before personalization became a marketing norm. Gentry wasn’t just selling homes—he was selling narrative control.

Every home came with a “Garden Room Kitchen,” equipped with the ultra-modern Caloric Ultra-Ray broiler. Cutting broiling time as much as 30%, it was guaranteed by Good Housekeeping to be the easiest range to keep clean.

1967 ad for Caloric Ultra-Ray broiler, highlighting its modern design and easy-clean feature, included in Oak Creek’s “Garden Room Kitchens.”
From a 1967 Oakland Tribune ad—Caloric’s Ultra-Ray broiler was part design object, part miracle appliance.

These kitchens became a focal point for family gatherings, blending utility with style in a way that felt ahead of its time.

The model homes of Oak Creek

Opened in 1965, the Oak Creek model home complex was on Cody Court at Oak Creek Drive. First with 4 homes, and a fifth added in 1966, they backed Oak Creek.

Map of the Oak Creek model home complex located on Cody Court in San Ramon, showing the original five home layouts along Oak Creek.
Site of the Oak Creek model homes.

Pricing history

  • 1965: $18,950 +
  • 1966: $19,950 +
  • 1967: $20,500 +
  • 1968: <unknown>

Model homes

1. The Walnut - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,294 sq. ft.

2. The Willow - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,202 sq. ft.

3. The Pine - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,472 sq. ft.

4. The Oak - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,288 sq. ft.

5. The Elm - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,288 sq. ft. Added in 1966. Picture not available.

Oak Creek today

Here's what the original Oak Creek model homes look like in 2024.

The Walnut today

Exterior of the original Walnut model home in Oak Creek as it appears in 2024, showing preserved mid-century architectural details.
The original Walnut model today.

The Willow today

Present-day photo of the original Willow model home in Oak Creek, a single-story ranch with large front windows and mature landscaping.
The original Willow model today.

The Pine today

2024 image of the Pine model home in Oak Creek, originally the largest of the five, with four bedrooms and classic suburban curb appeal.
The original Pine model today.

The Oak today

Updated exterior of the original Oak model home in Oak Creek as seen in 2024, maintaining its mid-century design with subtle modern updates.
The original Oak model today.

The Elm today

Picture not available.

A legacy of innovation

By 1968, Oak Creek was complete, and Gentry’s moved on to built The Orchards in the adjoining tract. His neighborhoods remain cherished for their blend of charm, innovation, and thoughtful design.

Tom Gentry didn’t just build houses; he built homes that sparked joy and curiosity. His creations celebrated the art of living well.

Related post: The last walnut orchard in San Ramon

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