Published July 2, 2025
Between 1965 and 1969, McGah & Bailey brought their vision of the future to San Ramon in the form of the Casa Manana housing tract—“House of Tomorrow.” But timing is everything, and their futuristic homes had a slow takeoff.
The tract debuted with three model homes priced between $23,500 and $26,500—on the high side for the area. One standout featured the Island Kitchen, a forward-thinking layout with a seating bar that felt more 1975 than 1965. But across the street, H.C. Elliott’s Crestview housing tract offered homes with similar space for less. The comparison wasn’t flattering, and buyers noticed.
 |
| June 1966 Oakland Tribune ad—four smaller homes were introduced to lower the starting price in this premium subdivision. |
Casa Manana homes and architectural style
When McGah & Bailey introduced Casa Manana in 1965, prospective buyers encountered the housing tract through its model homes. The models showcased the different designs, floor plans, and lifestyles the builder was offering to buyers in San Ramon.
The original model homes provide a way to revisit that introduction. The guide below shows where McGah-Bailey's models were located, preserves the original sales material where available, and explores the designs the builder offered to prospective buyers when the tract was new.
Original model home complex
McGah & Bailey initially presented three models in a sales complex on Davona Drive. Four new models opened in 1966, then three more in 1967.
 |
| Annotated aerial map of the original Casa Manana model homes on Davona Drive. Base imagery from Apple Maps. |
The original model homes
1. The Plan 1532
This model offered approximately 1,532 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
 |
| Original Plan 1532 model today via Google Street View. |
2. The Plan 2190
This 1 1/2-story model offered approximately 2,190 square feet with up to 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
|
| Original Plan 2190 model today. |
3. The Plan 1686
This model offered approximately 1,686 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Typically built on corner lots and the garage faced the side.
 |
| Original Plan 1686 model today. |
4. The Plan 1470
This model offered approximately 1,470 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Added in 1966.
 |
| Original Plan 1470 model today via Google Street View. |
5. The Plan 1565
This model offered approximately 1,565 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Added in 1966.
 |
| Original Plan 1565 model today via Google Street View. |
6. The Plan 1125
This model offered approximately 1,125 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Added in 1966.
 |
| Original Plan 1125 model today via Google Street View. |
7. The Plan 1250
This model offered approximately 1,250 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Added in 1966.
 |
| Original Plan 1250 model today via Google Street View. |
8. The Plan 1889
This model offered approximately 1,889 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Added in 1967.
 |
| Original Plan 1889 model today via Google Street View. |
9. The Plan 1812
This model offered approximately 1,812 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Added in 1967.
 |
| Original Plan 1812 model today via Google Street View. |
Marketing Casa Manana
By mid-1966, McGah & Bailey hit refresh. Out went one of the pricier models, and in came four smaller, more affordable homes—complete with front lawns, fencing, and insulation. The new starting price dropped to $19,950. No need to haggle for extras—everything but the furniture was included.
The rebranded message was clear: These are homes for today. Even carpeting, once an upgrade, became standard fare by 1967. “All you do is move in,” promised the ads.
 |
| September 1965 Oakland Tribune ad—why settle for square? This space-age island brings all the curves—and all the conversation. |
 |
| February 1967 Oakland Tribune ad—new homes always came with new projects, but not here, the homes came complete. |
Legacy of Casa Manana
Today, Casa Manana may no longer be the new kid on the block, but its homes still whisper of mid-century optimism. Tucked into San Ramon’s quiet streets, these ranchers carry their original character with surprising grace—breezy floor plans, wide lots, and yes, the occasional island kitchen.
While other housing tracts grew with flashier designs or larger footprints, Casa Manana has remained charmingly understated. These were homes designed not just to impress, but to live in—carpeted, fenced, and lawned from day one. In a time when “extras” often came extra, McGah & Bailey gave buyers a turnkey slice of the good life.
For those who appreciate a bit of real estate time travel, Casa Manana offers a glimpse into a builder’s one-shot dream: practical, hopeful, and a little bit ahead of its time.
Comments
Post a Comment