Brookdale (Springdale) — tract homes in San Ramon (1971)
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. |
Where is Brookdale in San Ramon?
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| Annotated aerial map of the Brookdale tract in the Pine Valley neighborhood in San Ramon, California. Base imagery from Google Maps. |
Selling the tract
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. |
Pricing history of Brookdale homes
- 1971: $26,550 +
- 1972: $33,250 - $35,750
The homes of Brookdale
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. |
Model homes of Brookdale
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.
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| Original Plan 1 model today via Google Street View. This home also housed the sales office. |
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| Original Plan 2 model today via Google Street View. |
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| Original model is camera shy. A current photo of another Plan 3 home via Google Street View. |
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| Original Plan 4 model today via Google Street View. |
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.
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| "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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