Casa Mañana (1965–1969): a neighborhood ready for tomorrow

Casa Mañana logo

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.

Ad for Casa Mañana San Ramon
From a September 1965 Oakland Tribune ad—why settle for square? This space-age island brings all the curves—and all the conversation.

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.

Map of the Casa Mañana neighborhood in San Ramon
Location of the Casa Mañana neighborhood in San Ramon, California.

A course correction

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.

Ad for Casa Mañana San Ramon
From a June 1966 Oakland Tribune ad—four smaller homes were introduced to lower the starting price in this premium subdivision.

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.

Ad for Casa Mañana San Ramon
From a February 1967 Oakland Tribune ad—new homes always came with new projects, but not here, the homes came complete.

A full house of models

Between 1965 and 1967, Casa Mañana expanded to include nine model homes. The complex, located at Davona Drive and Duke Drive, showcased the range—from cozy 1,125 sq. ft. cottages to sprawling 2,190 sq. ft. ranchers with optional fifth bedrooms.

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.

Casa Mañana model homes

The model complex was on the west side of Davona Drive at Duke Drive.

Map of the Casa Mañana model homes
Site of the Casa Mañana model complex.

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

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

Picture of the Casa Mañana Plan 1532 model
The original Plan 1532 model today.

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

Picture of the Casa Mañana Plan 2190 model
The original Plan 2190 model today.

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

Picture of the Casa Mañana Plan 1686 model
The original Plan 1686 model today.

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

Picture of the Casa Mañana Plan 1470 model
The original Plan 1470 model today.

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

Picture of the Casa Mañana Plan 1565 model
The original Plan 1565 model today.

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

Picture of the Casa Mañana Plan 1125 model
The original Plan 1125 model today.

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

Picture of the Casa Mañana Plan 1250 model
The original Plan 1250 model today.

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

Picture of the Casa Mañana Plan 1889 model
The original Plan 1889 model today.

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

Picture of the Casa Mañana Plan 1812 model
The original Plan 1812 model today.

A final glance at the “homes of tomorrow”

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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