Heritage Valley (1975–1976): A suburban sonata by Morrison Homes

Between 1975 and 1976, Morrison Homes unveiled Heritage Valley, a 105-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 of Heritage Valley Pleasanton California
Location 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 model homes

On Morganfield Court near Kolln Way, three model homes offered a glimpse into a very Pleasanton future:

Map of Heritage Valley model homes
Site of the Heritage Valley model homes.

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

1. The Plan 1  - 4 bedrooms or 3 with a den, 2 bathrooms, 1,690 sq. ft.

The original Plan 1 model today.

2. The Plan 141 - 3 bedrooms or 2 with a den, 2 bathrooms, 1,439 sq. ft.

Heritage Valley Plan 141 model
The original Plan 141 model today.

3. The Plan 3 - 4 bedrooms or 3 with a den, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,802 sq. ft.

The original Plan 3 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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