Casa Mañana — tract homes in San Ramon (1965)

Between 1965 and 1969, McGah-Bailey brought their vision of the future to San Ramon in the form of Casa Mañana—“House of Tomorrow.” But timing is everything, and their futuristic homes had a slow takeoff.

The subdivision 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 homes offered similar space for less. The comparison wasn’t flattering, and buyers noticed.

Vintage ad for the grand opening of Casa Mañana in San Ramon, showcasing four floor plans. The ad features architectural renderings of the homes with labeled layouts, emphasizing modern design and spacious living. Promotional text invites visitors to explore the models, highlighting the neighborhood’s unique offerings.
From a June 1966 Oakland Tribune ad—four smaller homes were introduced to lower the starting price in this premium subdivision.

Where is Casa Mañana in San Ramon?

Annotated aerial map showing the boundaries of the Casa Mañana tract in the Country Club neighborhood in San Ramon.
Annotated aerial map of the Casa Mañana tract in the Country Club neighborhood in San Ramon, California. Base imagery from Google Maps.

Selling the tract

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? Just $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.

Vintage September 1965 ad for "The House of Tomorrow" at Casa Mañana in San Ramon. The ad showcases a sleek, mid-century modern home with a futuristic design, featuring large windows, open spaces, and a minimalist aesthetic. The promotional text highlights innovative features and forward-thinking architecture, reflecting the 1960s vision of modern suburban living.
From a September 1965 Oakland Tribune ad—why settle for square? This space-age island brings all the curves—and all the conversation.

Vintage February 1967 Oakland Tribune ad for new homes at Casa Mañana in San Ramon. The ad emphasizes that unlike other developments, these homes came “complete,” with no additional projects required. The text promotes the homes as fully finished and ready for immediate living, highlighting convenience and modern design.
From a February 1967 Oakland Tribune ad—new homes always came with new projects, but not here, the homes came complete.

Pricing history of Casa Mañana homes

  • 1965: $23,500 - $26,500
  • 1966: $19,950 - $27,475
  • 1967: $24,350 - $27,250
  • 1968: $25,850 - $28,600
  • 1969: $28,950 +

The homes of Casa Mañana

The model complex was on the west side of Davona Drive at Duke Drive. Between 1965 and 1967, Casa Mañana expanded to include nine model homes.

By 1968, the lineup had slimmed to just four plans, and by 1969, the neighborhood was built out and fully sold. Though McGah-Bailey never returned to build again in San Ramon, their one and only contribution left a curious and charming footprint in the city’s suburban story.

Small map showing the site of the Casa Mañana model complex on Davona Drive in San Ramon. The map marks the location of the model homes and surrounding streets, offering a clear view of the area where the neighborhood was developed.
Annotated aerial map of the Casa Mañana model home complex on Davona Drive. Base imagery from Google Maps.

Model homes of Casa Mañana

1. The Plan 1532 - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,532 sq. ft.

2. The Plan 2190 - 4 or 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,190 sq. ft.

3. The Plan 1686 - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,686 sq. ft. Typically built on corner lots and the garage faced the side.

4. The Plan 1470 - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,470 sq. ft. Added in 1966.

5. The Plan 1565 - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,565 sq. ft. Added in 1966.

6. The Plan 1125 - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,125 sq. ft. Added in 1966.

7. The Plan 1250 - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,250 sq. ft. Added in 1966.

8. The Plan 1889 - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,889 sq. ft. Added in 1967.

9. The Plan 1812 - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,812 sq. ft. Added in 1967.

Current appearance of the original Plan 1532 home in San Ramon's Casa Mañana.
Original Plan 1532 model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Plan 2190 home in San Ramon's Casa Mañana.
Original Plan 2190 model today.

Current appearance of the original Plan 1686 home in San Ramon's Casa Mañana.
Original Plan 1686 model today.

Current appearance of the original Plan 1470 home in San Ramon's Casa Mañana.
Original Plan 1470 model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Plan 1565 home in San Ramon's Casa Mañana.
Original Plan 1565 model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Plan 1125 home in San Ramon's Casa Mañana.
Original Plan 1125 model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Plan 1250 home in San Ramon's Casa Mañana.
Original Plan 1250 model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Plan 1889 home in San Ramon's Casa Mañana.
Original Plan 1889 model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Plan 1812 home in San Ramon's Casa Mañana.
Original Plan 1812 model today via Google Street View.

Legacy of Casa Mañana

Today, Casa Mañana 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 surviving island kitchen.

While other subdivisions grew with flashier designs or larger footprints, Casa Mañana 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 Mañana offers a glimpse into a builder’s one-shot dream: practical, hopeful, and a little bit ahead of its time.

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