Pleasanton's Heritage Valley: 1975–1976 homes & subdivision history

Cover photo of a typical two-story home in Pleasanton’s Heritage Valley neighborhood, built by Morrison Homes between 1975 and 1976. The house features a traditional suburban design, reflecting the mid-1970s trend toward larger family homes with spacious interiors and prominent street presence.

Welcome to Heritage Valley

Between 1975 and 1976, Morrison Homes unveiled Heritage Valley, a 103-home neighborhood tucked into the rolling charm of Pleasanton, California. It wasn’t just another development—it was part of a grander vision for a town resisting the rush of urban sprawl.

Map showing the location of the Heritage Valley neighborhood in Pleasanton, California, nestled between Valley Avenue and Santa Rita Road, with nearby landmarks including Amador Valley High School and Orloff Park.
Map of the Heritage Valley neighborhood in Pleasanton, California.

Builders of place and personality

If Shapell Homes gave San Ramon its suburban soul, and Sunset Homes put Livermore on the residential map, Morrison Homes was Pleasanton’s architect of modern living. Their handprints are all over town—from the sweeping Pleasanton Valley and Valley Trails to the tucked-away cul-de-sacs that still echo with backyard laughter.

Growth on a leash

By the early '70s, Pleasanton was having growing pains. In Spring 1972, voters hit the brakes—approving a growth moratorium that capped home construction at just 15 units per quarter. Morrison had already bought a large swath of land in January 1971, spanning from Santa Rita Road to the train tracks, and from Mohr Avenue down to Valley Avenue. Originally planned for 477 homes (a mix of single-family, garden homes, and townhouses), the site’s full development would take more than a decade.

Heritage Valley opens—September 1975

With a keen eye for what worked (and what sold), Morrison returned to some of its most beloved floor plans, added fresh façades, and opened Heritage Valley to a warm reception. The homes captured what buyers longed for: a suburban sanctuary with just enough polish, plenty of space, and the promise of a pool in every backyard.

Nearly 1,000 prospective buyers came through in that first year. By the end of 1976, 91 out of 103 available homes had found their owners. Whether it was the open floor plans, the generous lot sizes, or the siren call of slow growth and rising values, Heritage Valley hit the sweet spot.

From a September 1975 Oakland Tribune ad — Come for the country charm, stay for the block parties. Heritage Valley promised not just homes, but a close-knit community where front porches and friendly neighbors were part of the package.
From a September 1975 Oakland Tribune ad—come for the country charm, stay for the block parties.

The homes of Heritage Valley

The three former model homes on Morganfield Court near Kolln Way offer a glimpse into a very Pleasanton future:

Map showing the location of the former model home complex for Heritage Valley in Pleasanton, California. The site is situated along a residential court near Santa Rita Road, marking the original display area where prospective buyers toured the development in the mid-1970s.
Map of the Heritage Valley model homes on Morganfield Court.

Pricing history

  • 1975: $47,500 - $56,250
  • 1976: $56,650 - $65,450

Model homes

1. The Plan 167 - 4 bedrooms or 3 with a den, 2 bathrooms, 1,671 sq. ft.

2. The Plan 141 - 3 bedrooms or 2 with a den, 2 bathrooms, 1,414 sq. ft.

3. The Plan 2175 - 4 bedrooms or 3 with a den, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,763 sq. ft.

Heritage Valley today

Here are the former model homes as they appear today.

The Plan 167 today

Current photo of the original Plan 167 model in Heritage Valley, Pleasanton. A single-story ranch-style home with a gabled roof, modest landscaping, and a wide driveway. Known for its flexible layout offering either four bedrooms or three plus a den.
The original Plan 167 model today.

The Plan 141 today

Present-day image of the Plan 141 model, featuring a classic suburban façade with low-profile rooflines, a two-car garage, and a small front lawn. This model was designed for adaptability, with an optional den in place of a third bedroom.
The original Plan 141 model today.

The Plan 2175 today

Contemporary view of the Plan 2175 model, a larger two-story home in Heritage Valley with mature trees, brick accents, and a prominent entryway. Offered flexible living space with a den option and an added half-bath for entertaining.
The original Plan 2175 model today.

Buildout & backyard bliss

By 1976, all 105 homes were complete. Most sit on quiet cul-de-sacs, with roomy lots that practically demanded a pool—and most got one. After all, this was Pleasanton, and a summer without a splash was simply uncivilized.

A time capsule of thoughtful growth

Heritage Valley remains a storybook slice of 1970s suburban optimism—where slow growth, careful planning, and just a dash of whimsy created a neighborhood that still feels like home.

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