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.
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.
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| "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. |
Selling the subdivision
A glimpse into 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.
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| From a July 1972 Oakland Tribune ad—the model homes went up for sale as the tract was selling out. |
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. 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.
New streets are private property until they are dedicated, and therefore become 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.
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.
Exploring the original Brookdale today
Although the sales office is long gone and the advertisements have faded, the original Brookdale model homes remain part of the neighborhood. These homes gave prospective buyers their first glimpse of Seeno's vision for suburban living in 1971.
Today, they provide a tangible connection to Brookdale's earliest days. The guide below documents the original model home complex, the homes themselves, and how they appear today.
The original prices
- 1971: $26,550 +
- 1972: $33,250 - $35,750
The original model home complex
When Brookdale opened, buyers toured a carefully staged collection of Seeno 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.
Although five designs were offered, just four original models opened in 1971 on Tareyton Avenue.
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| Annotated aerial map of the Brookdale model home complex on Tareyton Avenue. Base imagery from Google Maps. |
The original model homes
1. The Plan 1 - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,238 sq. ft.
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| Original Plan 1 model today via Google Street View. This home also housed the sales office. |
2. The Plan 2 - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,479 sq. ft.
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| Original Plan 2 model today via Google Street View. |
3. The Plan 3 - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,357 sq. ft.
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| Original model is camera shy. A current photo of another Plan 3 home via Google Street View. |
4. The Plan 4 - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,361 sq. ft.
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| Original Plan 4 model today via Google Street View. |
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