Heritage Valley — tract homes in Pleasanton (1975)

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.

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.

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.

Where is Heritage Valley in Pleasanton?

Annotated aerial map showing the boundaries of the Heritage Valley neighborhood in Pleasanton.
Annotated aerial map of the Heritage Valley neighborhood in Pleasanton, California. Base imagery from Google Maps.

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.

Selling the tract

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 in September 1975 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.

Pricing history of Heritage Valley homes

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

The homes of Heritage Valley

When Heritage Valley opened, buyers toured a carefully staged collection of Morrison model homes showcasing the neighborhood’s mix of architecture, indoor-outdoor living, and family-oriented floor plans. Though individual elevations varied, these original models helped define much of the neighborhood’s visual identity.

The three original models opened in 1975 on Morganfield Court.

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.
Annotated aerial map of the Heritage Valley model home complex on Morganfield Court. Base imagery from Google Maps.

Model homes of Heritage Valley

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.

Current appearance of the original Plan 167 home in Pleasanton's Heritage Valley.
Original Plan 167 model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Plan 141 home in Pleasanton's Heritage Valley.
Original Plan 141 model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Plan 2175 home in Pleasanton's Heritage Valley.
Original Plan 2175 model today via Google Street View.

Legacy of Heritage Valley

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.

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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