del Prado (1969–1972): The quiet charm of Ditz-Crane in Pleasanton

In December 1968, Ditz-Crane Homes quietly debuted its first preview of del Prado in Pleasanton—emphasis on “quiet.” The full launch came in 1969 with five model homes on display at Corte Sierra, growing to seven by the following year. Prices began at a very approachable $30,950.

Location of the Del Prado neighborhood in Pleasanton, California.

Built on the former Hansen Ranch, del Prado offered a graceful alternative to its more polished neighbor next door—Mackay Homes. While Ditz-Crane’s marketing materials were few and far between, the homes themselves didn’t need much help. With an enviable location close to downtown and schools, and just undercutting Mackay’s pricing, the homes sold briskly. The first 78 were half gone within six months.

From a May 1969 Oakland Tribune ad—"like, you’ll love it!” This ad was like totally ahead of its time—like, way before Valley girls made “like” a lifestyle.

Fresh new elegance—with everything included

These homes were thoughtfully designed for modern living. Standard features included all-electric kitchens with continuous-clean ovens, wall-to-wall carpeting, dressing rooms in the primary suite—and of course, those breezy open floor plans that defined late-60s optimism.

What del Prado lacked in splashy promotion, it made up for in surprise. A buyer might have glimpsed an ad, but they had to show up in person to discover the variety of elevations and creative floor plans. Once they did, they rarely left disappointed.

By 1970, as Interstates 580 and 680 fully opened and slashed commute times, Ditz-Crane expanded with Unit 2 along the Arroyo Valle. Select lots backed up to the creek—a rare and peaceful touch in suburban tract housing.

Tracts built by Ditz-Crane

Where Ditz-Crane homes were built in the Del Prado neighborhood.

A builder in transition

Founded in 1954, Ditz-Crane had established itself as a thoughtful and quality builder in Northern California. In early 1970, the company was acquired by Foremost-McKesson, which also owned Gentry Development—the firm behind Dublin’s well-loved Silvergate subdivision, founded by Tom Gentry. That merger brought more resources under the Ditz-Crane name, but del Prado remained distinct: stylish, understated, and subtly sophisticated.

Del Prado model homes

Seven floor plans were available at launch, with five on display at a model complex on Corte Sierra. By 1970, the model complex grew to seven homes, with 10 floor plans available.

Site of the Ditz-Crane model home complex.

Pricing history

1968: $31,950 - $37,950
1969: $30,950 - $35,500
1970: $32,500 - $37,950
1971: $34,950 - $40,950
1972: $34,950 +

1. The Plan 1829 - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,944~ sq. ft. Added in 1970.

The original Plan 1829 model today (with second-story addition).

2. The Plan 1812 - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1, 673 sq. ft.

The original Plan 1812 model today.

3. The Plan 1816 - 5 bedrooms or 4 bedrooms with a retreat, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,372~ sq. ft.

The original Plan 1816 model today.

4. The Plan 1841 - 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,124 sq. ft.

The original Plan 1841 model today.

From a May 1970 Oakland Tribune ad—Plan 1841 made such a splash they had to tone it down—because apparently “stealing” hearts was too edgy, so it became "crowd pleaser." This ad ran again and again… and again.

5. The Plan 1831 - 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,950 sq. ft. A 2-story home with large utility room that could be used to store your prized treasures. A unique elevation for the time, it very nearly appeared dated.

The original Plan 1831 model today.

From a May 1970 Oakland Tribune ad—that oversized utility room? It’s not just for laundry. It’s for treasures, tools, tchotchkes, secrets. In 1970, a little extra space went a long way.

6. The Plan 1827 - 4 bedrooms or 3 bedrooms with a retreat, 2 bathrooms, 1,733 sq. ft. Added in 1970.

The original Plan 1827 model today.

7. The Plan 1812 - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,623 sq. ft. Appears to have been shown twice in the model complex.

The original Plan 1812 model today.

Other Ditz-Crane plans in del Prado

These plans were built but not featured in the official model lineup:

The Plan 1822 - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,034 sq. ft. It was discontinued by 1971.

A Plan 1822 home (not original model).

The Plan 1813 - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,868 sq. ft. A 4-bedroom version of Plan 1812.

A Plan 1813 home (not original model).

The Plan 1826 - 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,961 sq. ft. A rare home, only two were built.

A Plan 1826 home (not original model).

The end of an era

By 1972, a regional housing moratorium brought construction at del Prado to a halt. Five lots within the model complex—possibly intended for future phases—sat empty until the 1980s, when they were finally built out with custom homes.

Other parcels, including lots around Hansen Drive, were sold off to Standard-Pacific and became part of the Easy Street subdivision. A planned school site near Hansen Park fell through, eventually giving way to more housing in the late 1990s.

A lasting impression

While Ditz-Crane didn’t shout the loudest, their homes still stand tall. Del Prado remains a beloved Pleasanton neighborhood—charming, well-built, and slightly under the radar. Proof that sometimes, the homes with the quietest introductions are the ones that stick around the longest.