Posted in Homes, Model/Display Homes

Million Dollar View Home – 1936

This is an updated version of this post I wrote in 2019. When I moved my blog to a different host (server), some of my posts didn’t fare well in the move. I’ve been reviewing my them one by one, making corrections and updates as needed.


The Million Dollar View home is named for its exceptional panorama of the entire bay.

Oakland Tribune August 9, 1936
Oakland Tribune Sept 13, 1936
Oakland Tribune August 9, 1936

The home officially opened on August 9, 1936, and by the third week, 7000 visitors passed through the Million Dollar View Home. The architect was Conrad T Kett, and the builder was Paul Walter (Worter?)

Oakland Tribune, March 22, 1936

The residence was designed with the family in mind. Great care was taken to ensure the kitchen was both conveniently and spaciously arranged.

Oakland Tribune August 1936

English Tudor with six spacious rooms that take full advantage of the panoramic view of Oakland, San Francisco, and the Bay, including both bridges and vistas from San Pablo Bay to miles down the Peninsula.

Look at the View—Oakland, the Bay, and San Francisco from every major window!” Oakland Tribune Oct 11, 1936

With an extra-large living room, dining room, breakfast room, and kitchen. The kitchen is usually large and is a masterpiece of careful planning and scientific, step-saving arrangement. Oakland Tribune Aug 09, 1936

Three large bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a second-floor sundeck.

Women will marvel at its extra cupboard space and the way we have provided for thoses hard to store odds and ends

Martha Lee – Oakland Tribune Aug 09, 1936

Oakland Tribune, October 17, 1937

An architecturally perfect home” Oakland Tribune Oct 17, 1937

For Sale

Oakland Tribune 1941 – $12,000
  • Million Dollar View –
  • Montclair Highlands
  • 5614 Balboa Avenue
  • Conrad T Kett – Architect
  • Paul A. Wolter – builder
  • Emge & Stockman
  • 1936
5614 Balboa Drive – Google Maps
5614 Balboa Drive – Google Maps

The End

Posted in Early Montclair, History, Photos

More Early Photos of Montclair

Moraga Avenue and La Salle

c 1940 Photo from A C Transit

The above is the corner of Moraga and LaSalle circa 1940 . Showing Montclair Pharmacy.

L60-95-Public Works Photos, Oakland Cultural Heritage Survey, Oakland City Planning Department c 1954

Above is Moraga and La Salle- showing  the Siena Deli, Montclair Donuts, Simons Cleaning Center and Ray Smith Co. Realtors in 1954. Below is 1976

C 1976 Photo by Bill Boyd

Below is the corner today

Photo from Google Maps

Montclair Terrace Building – Mountain Blvd and La Salle

The Montclair Terrace Building circa 1946 – Roger Bird

The above photo is from circa 1946 – The Montclair Terrace Building – Photo from Roger Bird

Circa 1963 Oakland Public Library,
Oakland History Room and Maps Division (Oakland, Calif.)
– ohrphoto.districts.023.jpg

The above photo is of Pete and Carl Saunders in front of the Montclair Carriage Inn on the corner of LaSalle Avenue and Mountain Boulevard.

Sept 1965:  ohrphoto.districts.022.jpg
akland Public Library, Oakland History Room and Maps Division

Two workers repairing a water main break on LaSalle Avenue at Mountain Boulevard in the Montclair district of Oakland, California.

The Montclair Terrace Building today – Google mps

Mountain Blvd

Sept 1965
ohrphoto.districts.031.jpg
Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room and Maps Division

Mountain Boulevard at LaSalle Avenue looking west following a water main break. From Sept 1965 – Below present day

Mountain Blvd – Google Maps
Sept 1965
ohrphoto.districts.030.jpg
Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room and Maps Division

The above is Mountain Boulevard at LaSalle Avenue looking west following a water main break. The below is the same

Mountain Blvd – Google maps

La Salle Avenue

The above photo is La Salle Avenue circa 1960s and below is today

La Salle Avenue – Google Maps

More to come

The End