Del Prado — Ditz-Crane tract homes in Pleasanton (1969)

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.

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.

A March 1969 Contra Costa Times for the grand opening of Del Prado in Pleasanton. Shows a front door open, welcoming you home.
From a March 1969 Contra Costa Times—A grand opening ad for Del Prado by Ditz-Crane. Welcoming you home with all-electric kitchens and abundant storage ideas.

Where is Del Prado in Pleasanton?

Annotated aerial map showing the boundaries of the Ditz-Crane homes in the Del Prado neighborhood in Pleasanton.
Annotated aerial map of the Ditz-Crane homes in the Del Prado neighborhood in Pleasanton, California. Base imagery from Google Maps.

Who are Ditz-Crane?

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.

Selling the tract

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.

Vintage ad from a May 1970 Oakland Tribune featuring Plan 1841 by Ditz-Crane. The original headline, “stealing hearts,” was later toned down to “crowd pleaser.” The ad, known for its bold language and popularity, ran repeatedly, highlighting the model’s strong appeal among homebuyers.
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.

Floor plan of Plan 1831 from a May 1970 Oakland Tribune ad, highlighting a spacious single-story layout with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and an oversized utility room—an unusual and practical feature for homes of its time.
From a May 1970 Oakland Tribune ad—an oversized utility room in the Plan 1831. It’s not just for laundry, it’s for treasures, tools, and tchotchkes. In 1970, a little extra space went a long way.

A May 1971 Contra Costa Times photo showing inside the family room in the Plan 1841, with a woman lying on the floor in a sunken family room.
From a May 1971 Contra Costa Times photo—A new way to make a room appear larger was to drop the floor. Inside the Plan 1841, showing the sunken family room and 70s inspired-interior.

Pricing history of Del Prado homes

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

The homes of Del Prado

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.

Map of the Ditz-Crane model home complex on Corte Sierra in the Del Prado neighborhood of Pleasanton, California, showing the cul-de-sac layout and placement of model homes used to showcase various floor plans during the neighborhood’s initial development phase.
Annotated aerial map of the Del Prado model home complex on Corte Sierra. Base imagery from Google Maps.

Model homes of Del Prado

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

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

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

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

5. The Plan 1831 - 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,950 sq. ft.

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

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

Current appearance of the original Plan 1829 home in Pleasanton's Del Prado.
Original Plan 1829 model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Plan 1812 home in Pleasanton's Del Prado.
Original Plan 1812 model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Plan 1816 home in Pleasanton's Del Prado.
Original Plan 1816 model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Plan 1841 home in Pleasanton's Del Prado.
Original Plan 1841 model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Plan 1831 home in Pleasanton's Del Prado.
Original Plan 1831 model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Plan 1827 home in Pleasanton's Del Prado.
Original Plan 1827 model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the second original Plan 1812 home in Pleasanton's Del Prado.
Original Plan 1812 model today—shown twice in the model complex. Image via Google Street View.

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.

Current appearance of a Plan 1822 home in Pleasanton's Del Prado.
An example of a Plan 1822 home via Google Street View.

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

Current appearance of a Plan 1813 home in Pleasanton's Del Prado.
A Plan 1813 home today via Google Street View.

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

Current appearance of a Plan 1826 home in Pleasanton's Del Prado.
One of only two known Plan 1826 homes, this rare two-story model stands out with its low production numbers. Image via Google Street View/

Legacy of Del Prado

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.

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.

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