Inside Brookdale: San Ramon's 1971–1972 homes & neighborhood legacy

1971 logo for Brookdale in San Ramon, California. The logo features bold, clean lettering with a modern, mid-century design aesthetic, reflecting the development's suburban charm and commitment to quality homes in the early 1970s.

Between 1971 and 1972, Albert D. Seeno built the Brookdale subdivision in San Ramon. While the name Brookdale evokes thoughts of peaceful, tree-lined streets, the neighborhood's heart was actually nestled around Springdale Lane. Over time, the local residents decided that Springdale had a certain ring to it, and so, the name stuck, giving the area a more fitting identity than the original one.

Map showing the location of the Brookdale neighborhood in San Ramon, California. The map highlights surrounding streets and landmarks, pinpointing the area where the Brookdale development is situated within the city.
Location of the Brookdale neighborhood, now called Springdale, in San Ramon, California.

Seeno's entry into San Ramon

Seeno was no stranger to suburban construction, with a track record of successfully developing neighborhoods across the Bay Area. Brookdale was their entry into the San Ramon market, and it didn’t take long for the homes to start flying off the market. The homes were quality-built, with Seeno’s reputation for craftsmanship adding to the allure of the area.

Vintage 1971 ad for Brookdale homes in San Ramon

A glimpse into 1971 reveals the original marketing for Brookdale. In typical mid-century fashion, the ad promises modern living and quality homes, the perfect backdrop for family life. The homes of Brookdale were designed for comfort, practicality, and that warm sense of belonging.

Vintage 1971 ad for Brookdale homes in San Ramon, with the bold statement "Compare with homes selling for thousands more." The ad features an image of the homes, emphasizing their modern design and affordable prices, aimed at highlighting the value of Brookdale homes compared to more expensive alternatives on the market at the time.
"Compare with homes selling for thousands more." Vintage 1971 ad for Brookdale homes in San Ramon, showcasing the affordability and value of these newly built homes.

The homes of Brookdale

Brookdale offered five floor plans, four of which were showcased in the model complex located on Tareyton Avenue, just north of the power lines. The model complex was a hub of excitement, with eager buyers flocking to see what their future could look like in this charming new development.

Small aerial view of the site of the Brookdale model home complex, located at the intersection of Tareyton Avenue and Springdale Lane in San Ramon. The image shows the layout of the surrounding streets, with the model homes and adjacent areas visible in a suburban setting.
Site of the Brookdale model home complex on Tareyton avenue and Springdale Lane.

Pricing history

  • 1971: $26,550 +
  • 1972: $33,250 - $35,750

Model homes

1. The Plan 1 - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,238 sq. ft.

2. The Plan 2 - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,479 sq. ft.

3. The Plan 3 - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,357 sq. ft.

4. The Plan 4 - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,361 sq. ft.

Brookdale today

Here are the original model homes as they appear in 2024.

The Plan 1 today

Current photo of the former Brookdale Plan 1 model home in San Ramon—3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,238 square feet. A compact single-story home with a low-pitched roof, wide front windows, and modest landscaping, reflecting mid-century suburban design.
The former Plan 1 model home today. This home also housed the sales office.

The Plan 2 today

Current photo of the former Brookdale Plan 2 model home in San Ramon—4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,479 square feet. This spacious single-story home features a broad roofline, large windows, and a neatly maintained yard, typical of early 1970s ranch-style homes.
The former plan 2 model home today.

A Plan 3 today

Current photo of a Brookdale Plan 3 home in San Ramon—3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,357 square feet. A mid-sized ranch-style home with a simple front facade, wide windows, and classic 1970s curb appeal.
Model is camera shy. Here is another Plan 3 home today.

The Plan 4 today

Current photo of the former Brookdale Plan 4 model home in San Ramon—3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,361 square feet. A single-story home with a balanced layout, low-slung roof, and clean lines, reflecting the understated elegance of mid-century suburban architecture.
The former plan 4 model home today.

The buildout and controversy

Brookdale homes sold out in July 1972, marking the end of a new chapter in San Ramon’s development. However, the neighborhood soon became the focal point of a bit of controversy. The issue? Homes were completed before the streets and services had been fully finished. As a result, families began moving in—only to find they were without street lighting or police services.

A 1971 article from the Contra Costa Times captures the early hiccups in Brookdale’s buildout: "Streets were private property until they were dedicated, and therefore became public." Seeno, mindful of the many moving parts involved in completing a new neighborhood, did his best to accommodate delays. But as with all growing communities, not everyone was willing to wait.

Vintage newspaper ad from the Contra Costa Times, dated July 25, 1971, with the headline "The streets come last, buyers must wait." The article discusses delays in infrastructure at the Brookdale subdivision in San Ramon, where some families moved into completed homes before streets, lighting, and public services were finalized.
"The streets come last, buyers must wait." A 1971 Contra Costa Times article highlighting early challenges at Brookdale, where eager homeowners moved in before streets and public services were completed.

And so, Brookdale stands—a neighborhood born of ambition and a dash of whimsy, with homes that reflect the evolving spirit of suburban living in the 1970s. Whether you walk the streets of Brookdale today or glance at a photo from its model days, the warmth and charm of this community continue to shine through.

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