In 1924 brothers Paul and Herman Pause formed Montclair Realty Co. Before that, Paul worked for the Realty Syndicate.
The business district of Montclair looked like this when Montclair Realty was formed.
Cos. Williams, a builder, was the only other business then.
In 1932 they moved into their new offices at 6466 Moraga Avenue. The building was occupied by George B. Brooks, another real estate agent. The building is still there.
Montclair Highlands
“In All the World No View Like his”
Oakland Tribune 1928
In 1928 Montclair Realty was the developer and selling agent for a new tract behind the business district. One of the first homes was the “Model View Home,” built-in 1928.
10th Anniversary
In 1934 Montclair Realty celebrated its 10th Anniversary. During this time, they specialized in developing the rapidly growing hill area. Some tracts they worked on were Montclair Highlands, Montclair Acres, Montclair Estates, and Fernwood.
That year they opened Piedmont Uplands, a new tract along Moraga Avenue at Maxwelton Road. The Henry Maxwell family owned the land and ran a Maxwelton Farm dairy. Before that, it was the picnic grounds of Blair Park.
13th Anniversary
Montclair Realty celebrated its thirteenth Anniversary by moving into spacious new offices in Montclair Realty Building on Moraga Avenue. Harvey Slocombe designed the new two-story building in an authentic Spanish style, complete with a patio and tile roof. Howard Gilkey developed the garden.
The unusual feature of the new building was the penthouse display home on the second floor. The living room – reception room had a Homebuilder’s Library, where prospective home builders can look through all the latest books and magazines on home building.
Dramatically different the Pent House Model home brings to you “Ideas of 1938” in colorful interior finishes and modern furnishings.
Oakland Tribune 1937
Silver Anniversary – 1949
Paul Pause was a founding member of the Montclair Improvement Club. He was a member of the Oakland Chamber of Commerce residential committee and its highway and transportation committee. He was also a member of the Commonwealth Club.
Death and New Owners
Paul Pause died in 1950. He was an important figure in the development of Montclair since the beginning.
Lucille Chasnoff purchased the company after Pause died in 1950. and John Mallett purchased the company from her in 1962.
New Office in 1954-56
In 1954 they moved into the newly built Montclair Professional Building at 2084 Mountain Blvd. The Montclair Realty offices were on the ground floor; they owned the building.
It was the only office building that had off-street parking. The offices featured gold walls with charcoal woodwork with built-in desks and partitions.
Out with the Old
The old Montclair Realty building was demolished in 1961 to make room for expanding the Standard Station next door.
In 2019 a new building replaced the old and outdated Montclair Realty Office Building.
The new building.
Different Logos –
Free Map
More Info:
- Great Activity in the Hills – Oakland Tribune June 17, 1934
- Pause named Club Head – Oakland Tribune Dec 13, 1936
- Highlights of Real Estate Development – Oakland Tribune July 18, 1937
- Realty Firm In New Home – Oakland Tribune Jul 25, 1937
I really appreciate your writing, this is great stuff! I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.
I love this site. I grew up on what would have been the Smith Preserve, on one of the English Streets next to Casa Altadena. I now live in Ivy Hill on what would have been Arbor Villa.
I wanted to note that this building is no longer there–it is the site of the new Starbucks.
It is a treat to learn about the history of my home, and it is a trip to see how it’s changed. Reading your post about Freeway Variety was like being in a time machine.
Thanks for your dedication to this.
Thank you! I’m so glad you are having fun reading my blog.