This is an updated version of a post I wrote in 2018. 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 posts one by one, making corrections and updates as needed.
October 27, 2025
In May 1925, the Realty Syndicate Company offered two developments. They were both in Montclair.
“It is said that the elevation of Montclair Highlands affords a view which surpasses anything from any other point in Oakland.” Oakland Tribune, May 17, 1925
The first was the Montclair Business Center, as the name indicated, which was a tract for area businesses. The second was Montclair Highlands, a residential tract directly behind the business center.
you get a marine panorama not surpassed by any view in the world. Our free buss will bring up to the site.” Oakland Tribune Jan 07, 1925
The business tract was first offered for sale in 1921, then withdrawn, awaiting further growth in the area.
This post is about Montclair Highlands.
Montclair Highlands and Montclair Highlands Extension are located behind the present business district in Montclair. The tract goes up about Saroni Drive with Colton Blvd and Shepherd Canyon on either side. It includes a few houses on Thornhill Drive and Mountain Blvd from Thornhill to Colton Blvd.
Opening
Baedecker, Tourist Authority Rates View From This Tract as Third Finest in The World.” SF Examiner May 23, 1925
Montclair Highlands was separated from the original Montclair tract by the business center. It overlooks the bay and the earlier Montclair units.
The Realty Syndicate sold Montclair Highlands, a district of very high-class, beautiful homes with large lots and strict building restrictions.
Many flocked to Montclair Highlands during the opening week. They enjoyed the remarkable panoramas from the level lots.
Lots were priced from about $500 up, with 10% down and 1% a month.
Observation Tower
The Realty Syndicate Company built an observation tower equipped with a special telescope and field glasses in June 1925.
The Realty Syndicate Company built an observation tower equipped with a special telescope and field glasses in June 1925.
From the observation tower high on the hill above the Montclair Business Center, all the interesting points around the San Francisco Bay were visible.
On a clear day, you could see as far as the Farallon Islands.
Open daily 9 am to 9 pm, the tower was free to the public.
Every night, the tower was illuminated by a large searchlight — the most powerful in the world.”
From the Top of the World, as Montclair Highlands is called, there is an unobstructed view for many miles south, out across the bay to San Francisco, north to Mt. Tamalpais.
Transportation
In July 1928, the Smith Reserve- Montclair Highlands bus line was inaugurated by the Realty Syndicate. Leaving from the terminal, the buses would alternate their runs between Smith Reserve (now Piedmont Pines) and Montclair Highlands.
The increased popularity of the two tracts made this an essential step in their development.
With the completion of the new $18,000 bus terminal and depot in the Montclair business center, local transportation lines terminated at its slopes. The tract was also accessible by the Sacramento Northern Railroad.
you get a marine panorama not surprassed by any view in the world. Our free buss will bring you up to the site.” Oakland Tribune June 07, 1925
More Info:
- Two New Montclair Units – SF Call Bulletin May 16, 1925
- Lot Dimensions – SF Examiner May 23, 1925
- Unsurpassed View – Oakland Post Enquirer May 30, 1925
- Many Buy in New Tract – Oakland Post Enquirer June 6, 1925
- Fine Telescope – Oakland Tribune June 20, 1925
- Great Montclair Activity – Oakland Tribune June 21, 1925
- Realtor Gives Growth Figures – Oakland Post Enquirer July 25, 1925
- Luncheon on Top of the World – Oakland Tribune August 15, 1925
- New Bus Service – Oakland Tribune July 22, 1928
I love these post about Oakland history. Thank you for doing them. The one a few years ago about my neighborhood off of Keller Ave was fascinating. I learned so much about my little quiet area I did not know.
Thank you and I’m so glad you enjoy them. I lived on Crest Street for 8 years and I got to know the area really well. I was amazed at how much I found out about the area when I stated looking.