Category Archives: Real Estate

Pine-Covered Hills

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Studio Homes by Phil Heraty

Phil Heraty (1896-1969) was a Bay Area Builder and Developer responsible for homes in Concord, Walnut Creek, San Leandro, and Oakland. I covered Melrose Highlands in Oakland here.

In 1940, Heraty opened new offices at 3625 Hopkins Street (now MacArthur Blvd.) and announced that this would be the headquarters for all company operations. The branch office at 5815 Thornhill, the original tract office for the Merriewood Development, is now home to a daycare.

It is now Medical Offices – Oakland Tribune November 10, 1940

This post will cover a group of homes built in the Broadway Terrace area by Lake Temescal.

Lake Temescal Studio Homes

The development of Lake Temescal in 1938 as a recreation center with swimming and picnic grounds significantly increased the demand for building homes in the wooded hill district adjacent to the lake.

Oakland Tribune 1938

In May 1938, Phil Heraty announced the completion of a new group of eight studio homes he called ‘Lake Temescal Studio Homes.’ The previous year, he sold 37 studio homes in the area.

Oakland Tribune May 1938

Below is one of the Studio Homes. It was located at 6192 Ruthland Road and was lost in the 1991 fire.

Oakland Tribune 1938

The Temescal, a furnished 6-room display home, was opened in November 1938. It was listed for $4950.00

Oakland Tribune 1938

The Temescal is located on Florence Terrace, where it meets Capricorn Avenue.

This is the area where I grew up. I used to walk to school with a girl who lived there. They moved sometime in the mid-1970s. I then babysat for the next family that lived there. I watched their daughter from about six months to three years old. I love this house! I fantasized about living there.

5748 Florence Terrace Today.

Unusual Studio Homes

“Live in the Pine-Covered Hills”

Oakland Tribune Aug 25, 1940

In 1940, Heraty announced the completion of a new group of “unusual studio homes” located along Broadway Terrace and Taurus Avenue.

Oakland Tribune 1940
Oakland Tribune 1940

The new two-bedroom homes would cost less than $4900 to less than $6000. They featured large living rooms with beamed ceilings and corner fireplaces, corner tiled sinks in an airy kitchen, and elevated bedrooms on a huge lot. The largest home in the group had a rumpus room finished in knotty pine.

Sliding Down

Oakland Tribune 1953

In the spring of 1952, a group of studio homes in the Upper Broadway Terrace area at Taurus Road began sliding down the hill. I’m not saying they had anything to do Phil Hearty and the construction.

  • 7075 Broadway Terrace
  • 7081 Broadway Terrace
  • 7085 Broadway Terrace
  • 7093 Broadway Terrace
  • 9009 Broadway Terrace
  • 9025 Broadway Terrace
  • 9033 Broadway Terrace
  • 9041 Broadway Terrace
Oakland Tribune May 18, 1952

The following year, during the winter rains and after the city of Oakland had done extensive work on the slide, the homes began to slide again. This turned what was left of the homes into rubble and further damaged others.

In 1954, eight Broadway Terrace property owners sued the city of Oakland and the Oakland Sewer Construction Company for $135,000. The suit alleged the damage was caused by seepage from a ditch the sewer construction company dug.

 “eight houses in a hilly portion of Oakland, which, prior to 1949, were serviced by septic tanks. The area is a natural drainage area” Findlaw

 “prior to the sewer installation, had leaking septic tanks, and possibly some springs.” Findlaw

The area now has big homes built after the 1991 fire.

More Info:

  • HAMILTON v. HARKINS (1956) – Findlaw

A Log Cabin in Pinehaven

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Growing up, I heard stories about Montclair having summer homes that belonged to the rich people of San Francisco and a few cabins that belonged to hunters. This is what I found.

Oakland Tribune 1922

In 1922, few people outside the hikers of the Contra Costa Hills Club knew much about Pinehaven and its beautiful canyon. Pinehaven has all the characteristics of the most picturesque parts of Marin County. Roads have now been opened up. The property was initially laid out as Upper Piedmont, but the owners changed the plans and decided to put it on the market for those who want summer home cabins close to downtown and transportation.

Pinehaven is located in Montclair.

Lawrence Block of the Villa Site Sales Company was in charge of the sale of the property, and Block said:

“Pinehaven is a summer home colony with its pretty cottages and cabin homes nestling in the side-hills, overlooking canyons and within twenty minutes from City Hall. You awaken in the morning to the song of the birds refreshed and full of vigor and imagine you have traveled a hundred miles to the wilds of some distant state.“

Oakland Tribune Mar 27, 1922

This was Villa Site Sales Company’s first big sale, offering it at mortgage prices. The sale price was as low as $175.00. More than 50 cabins and cottages were being planned. Pinehaven went on sale on April 9, 1922.

Oakland Tribune Feb 19, 1922

Lots of Building

Oakland Tribune Apr 9, 1922

Building Bungalows in Foothill Canyons

Oakland Tribune June 1922
Oakland Tribune May 1922
Oakland Tribune May and June 1922

Cabin Sites of 1/4 acre each sold for $85 to $385 each with payments of $2.00 a month.

John’s Family

Oakand Tribune Sep 1, 1922

Pitch a TeePee

Oakland Tribune May 21, 1922

Pinehaven Colony

“In a rustic setting of ferns and pines and little streams among rolling hills is located Pinehaven” Oakland Tribune

Oakland Tribune May 1922
Oakland Tribune May 21, 1922

Log Cabins

6466 Pinehaven Road was advertised as a “Log Cabin” in 1946, 1956, and 1980. There is no picture avaiable online for this home. I will have to venture into the world and check it out myself.

Oakland Tribune 1946
Oakland Tribune 1980
Oakland Tribune 1956

I believe this is one of the Log Cabins. It is advertised as being built in 1890, but I doubt it. It is located at 7135 Pinehaven Rd, close to Broadway Terrace.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/7135-Pinehaven-Rd-Oakland-CA-94611/24818860_zpid/

Another possibility might be this log cabin on Heather Ridge Way. Built in 1922, it is in the correct time frame.

“The log cabin harmonizes seamlessly with the natural surroundings, inviting you to step into a world where old-world charm meets modern comfort. The rustic, cozy living/dining room has preserved the cabin’s historic appeal.” Redfin.com

6575 Heather Ridge Way

More Info:

The End

I did a blog on this before, but it was messed up when transferring my site.

The Garden Spot of East Oakland

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Iveywood and the Iveywood Extension are subdivisions in the Elmhurst District.

1911 City of Oakland Map

It was the site of the old Ludovina Peralta Ivey homestead. Ludovina was Ignacio Peralta’s daughter and Luis Maria Peralta’s granddaughter.

The Peralta Land Company was the exclusive agent for Iveywood, and The M.T. Minney Company(Minney-Morse) of Oakland was the exclusive agent for the Iveywood Extension.

Oakland Tribune

Both tracts had building restrictions that required each house to cost from $ 1500 to $2000 and that all the homes on each street would be in harmony with those adjoining, ensuring a standard value for both the lot and the house that sits on them. There were also restrictions that prohibited the sale of a lot to Chinese, Japanese, Hindus, Negroes or people of their type.

Iveywood

Iveywood is located between East 14th (now International) to Bancroft Ave and 100th Ave and 104th Ave, including Sunnyside St., Birch St., Plymouth St., and Walnut St.

Looking North Across 106th towards Dante Ave Photo by Cheney Photo Advertising
The Same area today – google maps
10460 Dante Ave. In the photo above

“you live in the city and country both”

Oakland Tribune Mar 17, 1910

Iveywood Extension

Along the Foothill Blvd. Photo by Chaney Photo Advertising.

Iveywood Extension is located between Bancroft Ave and Foothill Blvd and 104th Ave to the San Leandro border, including Sunnyside St and Dante Ave. Byron St., Voltaire Ave., and Longfellow Ave.

Iveywood Extension fronts the north side of Foothill Blvd and East 14th Street.

SF Call 1910

“A beautiful tract containing 400 lots was placed on the market on October 1, 1910.” 

Showing Block 26 on 106th between MacArthur and Byron Ave
Looking South on Voltaire at 106th Ave circa 1911
Iveywood Extension
Showing the National Rubber Plant at 105th and Foothill
Looking south on Voltaire at 106th – today.

Electric Loop – Southern Pacific

Southern Pacific Electric Loop -Photo by Cheney Photo Advertising

Southern Pacific spent several million dollars building the electric interurban train service to Iveywood and Broadmoor. The Southern Pacific electric “Loop System” insured purchasers of lots in Iveywood with perfect transportation to downtown Oakland and San Francisco.

On 106th in the Iveywood Extension
Looking East on 108th Ave from Bancroft Ave in Iveywood Extension
On 106th Ave – Google Maps
Looking East on 108th AVe from Bancroft – Google Maps

Model Homes

Oakland Tribune 1939
Oakland Tribune 1939
2300 108th today – Google Maps
2415 106th today – Google Maps
Oakland Tribune 1940
2315 and 2321 109th Ave today – Google Maps

More Info:

The End

Court of All Nations

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“Homes of Cosmopolitan Architecture”

Oakland Tribune Mar 29, 1925

The Court of All Nations is located on Hillen Street (formally Trumbull Street) near Mills College, with a view of the bay and the nearby hills. The group of fifty homes was built in 1925, with the first four starting in January of that year.

Unique Idea Result of Europe Trip

The unique idea was brought back by local builder R.C. Hillen after spending five months motoring through Europe in search of ideas for one of his next developments.

He wanted to reproduce the picturesque homes that dot the hillsides and valleys of European countries.

The homes are of five and six-room European style with American convenience. Each home is an architectural gem, specially adapted by W.W. Dixon, architect and the editor of the Home Designer Magazine, from sketches Hillen made during that trip.

They will include patios and landscaped gardens both in front and back.

Casa Romero

Casa Rome
Oakland Tribune May 17, 1925

Casa Romero is a Spanish-Moorish type, and it opened in ???. The iron grill balconies before the windows and the flower-grown patio with pool and fountain suggest old Spain.

Oakland Tribune

W.W. Dixon, who designed Casa Romero, said, ” the name an old Spanish name dating from the days of the Mexican Grants in California.” Casa Romero means the house of the Romeros.

“‘Casa Romero’ Is All Electrically Equipped: Radio Featured.”

Oakland Tribune May 17, 1925

A Pipe-Organ Radio is installed in the living room. The rare acoustic properties of the room, eighteen by thirty-six feet in size and eighteen feet high, were fully utilized. A Radiola super-heterodyne is hidden behind what appears to be pipes of an organ on the balcony above. Using a central control, you could listen by loudspeaker or earphone connections by merely pressing a button.

The hidden radio – Oakland Tribune 1925
Casa Romero Today
Casa Romero Today from Google Maps

European Style Homes

Some of the homes were designed along the lines of English cottage architecture, and others suggest French and Italian villa homes with homes from Spain, Norway, or Holland.

All have charming features and will include a large living room with a unique fireplace, a dining room with a buffet, and a kitchen with all the modern fixtures. Priced from $6500-$7900

Grand Duke

The Grand Duke Model Home – Oakland Tribune 1925

Dixon and Hillen

Walter W. Dixon (1884-1953)

Robert C. Hillen (1884-1955)

Style: Storybook, fairy tale, Hansel & Gretel

Dixon designed homes and other buildings, alone and with the firm Dixon and Hillen, from about 1910 to 1950, mostly in the East Bay.

Dixon built grand Storybook houses and houses in other styles and is best known for compact Storybook tract cottages.

Both were involved under the name of Dixon and Hillen Publishers with the Home Designer Magazine, based in Oakland and printed out of their office at 1844 Fifth Ave. The monthly publication costs $2.50 yearly for a subscription and covers mostly bungalow and Storybook types of homes.

They also designed the homes on Picardy Drive in Oakland.

More Info:

The End

Unique Apartments Courts – Bungalow Courts

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It has been awhile since I have published a new post. I have been dealing with an major medical issue in my family. It is still ongoing. This is something I put together a while back.

A bungalow court is a group of small bungalows or workers cottages built around a court or central yard. An apartment court is a group of buildings built around or have a central courtyard.

Bungalow Court, a New Apartment Site

Oakland Tribune Sept 11, 1921
New Euclid Court Apartments Cheney Photo Advertising Company circa 1921

In 1921 a new kind of building known as a Bungalow Court opened, the first in Oakland. The building is located at Hill Lane and Euclid Avenue.

New Euclid Court Apartments Cheney Photo Advertising Company circa 1921

Euclid Court consists of ten three-room bungalow apartments, grouped around a central courtyard. Each unit has separate front and back entrances.

New Euclid Court Apartments Cheney Photo Advertising Company circa 1921

Euclid Court was built for Dr. J.L. Hobbs at the cost of $75,000 and was designed by W.E. Schirmer.

Today Google Maps
  • 432-450 Euclid Avenue
  • Built 1921
  • 10-units
  • W.E. Schirmer – Architect

Virginia Court Apartments – Filbert Street

Virginia Court is a colorful Spanish type apartment building, with twelve apartments of two rooms each.

Each unit came with the following:

  • Genuine Frigidaire
  • Spark gas ranges
  • steam heat
  • Marshall and Stearns wall-bed
  • 1430 Filbert Avenue
  • Built 1930
  • 12-units

Court Pueblo Apartments – On Foothill Blvd.

The Court Pueblo Apartments opened in February 1930 and is located at 6114 and 6120 Foothill Blvd.

There are twelve units of two or three rooms. Each apartment had the following:

  • Genuine Frigidaire
  • Spark Gas Range
  • Marshall & Stearns Beds

Completely furnished for $45 to $52.50 in 1930

Court Pueblo is Spanish in Style.

  • 6114-6120 Foothill Blvd
  • Built 1930
  • Spanish Style
  • 12-units

Apartment Court on Seminary

“The five-room apartments are practically complete homes.”

Oakland Tribune 1928

Apartment Court opened in January 1928 and is located at 1725 and 1729 Seminary Avenue.

Oakland Tribune Nov 27, 1927

It is four buildings of eight apartments, each attractively arranged in a park-like* setting with a central thoroughfare.

1725 Seminary – Google Maps

No longer a park-like setting

1725 Seminary – Google Maps
  • Four five-room Apartments.
  • Twenty-Two two-room Apartments
  • Kelvinator Refrigerator
  • Spark Ranges
  • Murphy Beds

Brookdale Court

Brookdale Court is located at 3760 Brookdale Ave near 38th Ave.

#7

Bungalow Court

Located at 3745 Brookdale Avenue near 38th Avenue. There are 2 and 3 room units available. They rented for $40 and $45 a month in 1928.

“Seville” Spanish-Type Apartments

Oakland Tribune Nov 27, 1927

Reminiscent of the early history of California the Seville was built by Barr and Sons.

886 Cleveland – Google Maps

“The exterior of lime white stucco in monk finish with wrought iron balconies and, rails, the Spanish court effect with landscaped slopes, broken stepping stones and green shrubbery, the tiles roof of handmade Spanish tiles laid as the early day padres would lay them”

20 apartments of 2,3, and 4 rooms furnished from $57.50 up in 1927.

356 Lester Avenue

More Info:

The End

The Acorn Projects

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The Acorn or Acorn Projects are a series of housing projects in the Acorn Redevelopment Project Area of West Oakland.

They were original three housing units, Acorn 1, Acorn 2, and Acorn 3. 

Acorn Housing Project model, April 7, 1966. – The Acorn Housing Project promised sleek, modern architecture — concrete-block units with sharp angles and crisp white exteriors

The project started in 1962. The first housing unit contained 479 units and cost $9 million; it was completed in 1969. A second 98-unit called Acorn II was completed in 1971 at the cost of $3.7 million.

Oakland Tribune 1959

Slum Clearance Project

“Oakland’s first slum clearance undertaking will be called The Acorn Project.”

Oakland Tribune March 9, 1959

The Oakland Redevelopment Agency selected the name Acorn for the project area (about 45 Blocks) flanking the Nimitz Freeway between Union and Brush Streets.

Agency member Carl O. Olsen said the “Acorn is symbolical for the future and growth.”

Oakland Tribune February 24, 1965

Acorn’s Amazing Progress

It was reported that Project Acorn was shaping up as one of the most successful blight clearance projects in the nations’ history in 1964.

In 20 months, they had accomplished the following:

  • Purchased 90% of parcels
  • Relocated 83% of families
  • Demolished 75% of structures
  • Sold four lots for new plants
Oakland Tribune

Property Owners Sue

Thirteen West Oakland property owners sued to block the Acorn Project. They sued the Federal Redevelopment Agency and the City of Oakland, claiming that the Acorn Project “would deprive Negroes of their properties.”

They said the slum elimination project would, in effect, deprive them of homeownership because they have limited access to other residential areas. They told the court they have no objection to urban improvement, but object to being evicted from their homes without a place to go,

The U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco ruled against them in May of 1963.

Acorn: Acres of Vacancy

In the land cleared for the project, there were rats, ants, and sparrows lived. But no people.

Oakland Tribune 1967

The Oakland Redevelopment Agency had spent $ 13 million by 1967. But still no housing.

It was described as a slum clearance project, and it was a success. Some 4,300 people lost their homes as wrecking crews smashed aging buildings.  

Acorn SIte 1966  By the time this picture was taken, 90 percent of the Acorn project-area had been “cleared,” and 86 percent of residents had relocated — many to the neighborhood of East Oakland and the northern East Bay city of Richmond.*

It took from April 1962 to May 1965 to reduce all but 610 old structures to splinters. In their place was acre upon acre of empty fields in the area between 10th and First and Brush and Union Streets.

Thirty-two were set aside for industrial redevelopment, thirty-four acres for new, moderate-priced housing.

Since 1962 when the Acorns were approved, 12,000 rental units were built in other parts of Oakland.

Acorn Project Aims to Attract Whites

The Acorns, a middle-income development featuring sophisticated townhouses and apartments, was one of the nations’ first attempts at “reverse integration.”

To attract whites to the project, the Building Trades Council tried to put the finest housing it can afford into the project and charge the lowest rents possible.

Rents ranged from studios at $67 up to four-bedroom two-story townhouses at $145. (The upper limit on income was $11,225)

Remember Acorn? It’s Dedicated

After sitting empty for ten years, the Acorn Project was finally dedicated in 1967.

Groundbreaking ceremony for Acorn construction, November 10, 1967 –John B. Williams (kneeling) holds a sign for the Acorn Urban Renewal Project as it is hammered into the ground by Robert C. Weaver, Secretary of the newly founded Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

Construction did not begin in Acorn until five years after demolition was completed, leaving a giant barren area in the middle of West Oakland, about 50 blocks, including parts of the historic heart of black Oakland, 7th Street. By the mid 60s, the demolition policies of the Oakland Redevelopment Agency (ORA) would create deep scars in the black neighborhoods close to downtown.

Ready for the Public

The first units of Oakland’s $8 million modern apartment complex opened for inspection in September 1968.

Source: San Francisco Examiner 9/16/68 “Oakland’s Redevelopment Project Ready for Public” (available at Oakland History Room)
  • Studio – $67.00 a month
  • 4-bedrooms – $145.00 a month

By December of 1968, 106 families lived in the Acorns.

SF Examiner Sept 1968

Award for Acorn

 Architects Edmund Burger and Patricia Coplans won the 1970 Holiday Award for the design of the Acorn Projects.

The Acorns Today

SF Examiner May 1998

The property underwent extensive redevelopment in the 1990s due to four years of collaboration among HUD, The City of Oakland, BRIDGE, the Acorn Residents Council, and the West Oakland community.

SF Examiner May 1998

Like many other projects, Acorn was known as a dangerous place for residents and nearby neighbors. The new Acorn will have several safety features. Density was reduced by half from the 700 units that made up the old project, and a series of courtyards with locked gates to limit access.

https://www.jerocorp.com/acorn-housing
  • Acorn 1 was demolished, and a small community of two-story single-family houses between Filbert and Market Streets was built in its place.
  • Acorn 2 and Acorn 3 were renamed “Town Center Apartments at Acorn” and “Courtyard Apartments. 

Acorn Town Center and Courtyards consist of 293 affordable studio, one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments.

https://www.jerocorp.com/acorn-housing
  • high-tech security system
  • gated property
  • recreational center
  • community building
  • tot lots
  • three basketball courts
  • swimming pool

Acorn Town Center and Courtyards – Bridge Housing

More Info:

The Acorn Neighborhood – Oakland Local Wiki

Imagining a Past Future – Photographs from the Oakland Redevelopment Agency – Places Journal

Affordable Housing Today – Architecture California 2001

Acorn Oakland Renaissance – Facebook Page

Portraits of Progress and Pain – Eastbay Yesterday

The Planning History of Oakland – website

Tot Lot

The End

In Oak Knoll…

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Oakland Tribune Oct 2, 1927

In 1926 it was announced that development of the Oak Knoll Country Club and the land surrounding it would handled by Carroll L. Post, the former president of Post Food Products Company. They began building the first group of model homes in April of 1926. Ezell-Phebus were the sales-agents.

Oakland Tribune 1926

Oak Knoll residential development was built around the new Oak Knoll golf course and Country Club .

Oakland Tribune 1927

E.B. Field Co. took developing the project in 1927.

5, 000 people standing on a hillside AGREED! That: Oak Knoll is Oakland’s finest Homeland!“

Oakland Tribune Oct 02, 1927

Spanish Style Home

Oakland Tribune Fen 27, 1927

This six room Spanish style bungalow was built in 1927 and was designed by R.E. Neikirk of Oakland. You enter the home from a terraced entry to a large living room with chapel style ceiling. There are three sunny bedrooms, a kitchen and a dining room.

3558 Calafia Avenue – Google Maps

..Beautiful Oak Knoll – The Heart of Oakland’s Country Club Districts”

E.B. Field Co.

Casa De La Vista

I haven’t been able to find the location of this home.

Oakland Tribune March 1928

The attractive Spanish type residence opened in March of 1928. The architect was Harris Allen and the home was furnished by Whithone & Swan.

Oakland Tribune March 1928
Oakland Tribune March 1928

The Windsor House

Located on a spacious corner lot at Oak Knoll and Granada Avenues. The English style home was attractively adapted to the hillside setting. The house has five bedrooms and three bathrooms.

It was put on display to show how artistic a moderately priced can be with s comparetly small amount spent in furnishing it. Furnishing by Breuner’s of Oakland.

The Beautiful,Completely Furnished “ Windsor House”

Oakland Tribune

The home has beautiful hardwood floors and high coved ceilings. An expansive deck off the kitchen leads to a private back patio. A main-floor master suite makes for convenient living, with two more bedrooms and a playroom upstairs with the second full bathroom.

9527 Granada Avenue – Redefin.com

Calafia Avenue Home

Oakland Tribune 1930
 3610 Calafia Avenue – Google Maps
3610 Calafia Avenue – Google Maps

A Beautiful Home

Oakland Tribune Feb 09, 1930
9332 Granada Ave – REDFIN

Live in Oak Knoll and Play Golf at Home“

Oakland Tribune Jan 20, 1927

Overlooking the Oak Knoll Clubhouse

In 1937 a new home overlooking the Oak Knoll golf course and clubhouse was completed. The home was built for Domino Merlino at an approx. cost of $20,000.

4001 Sequoyah Road – Google Maps
4001 Sequoyah Road – Google Maps

Calandria Avenue Home

Oakland Tribune April 1930

Construction of the new $13,000 home for Thomas King began in April of 1930. The outstanding feature of the home was the large living room window with a spectacular view of Oakland, San Francisco and the Bay.

3539 Calandria Ave – Oakland CA
The view from the Living Room – 3539 Calandria
3539 Calandria Ave

Panorama of Oak Knoll Home – Dorisa Avenue

Oakland Tribune Feb 01, 1931 – 3687 Dorisa

3687 Dorisa Ave – Today

3687 Dorisa Ave – Google Maps

New Developer at Oak Knoll

Oakland Tribune 1937

David D Bohannon well-known subdivider and developer of San Francisco property, formed a new company called Oak Knoll Land Development Company.  This was the third company sell and develop the Oak Knoll area. (Please see Oak Knoll Homes)

An Oak Knoll Home

Oakland Tribune December 1937
3987 Turnley Avenue-Google Maps

Freeway

In June of 1938, the Alameda-Contra Costa County joint highway district filed a lawsuit to condemn four parcels of land in the Oak Knoll Tract.

The suit was in preparation for when work would begin on the $3,000,000 traffic artery via Mountain Blvd.

The Defendants:

  • A.A. Thiel
  • James R. Pennycook
  • Raymond Cann
  • Irving M. Bossie

More Info:

The End

Claremont Pines Model Home

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Claremont Pines was formally the P.E. Bowels estate “The Pines.”  It is bounded by Broadway Terrace, Country Club Drive, Acacia Drive, and Romany Road.

Oakland Tribune

Palatial Home to be Built

In July 1928, a palatial residence, the Tribune-Schlesinger Home, was to be built in the new subdivision Claremont Pines developed by York Company Inc.

Oakland Tribune 1928

The Spanish-Mediterranean-style home was sponsored by the Oakland Tribune and was furnished by B.F. Schlesinger and Sons.  

The house was designed by Frederick H. Reimers, an Oakland architect, and was constructed by C. Dudley de Velbiss, a well-known builder.

Drive Out Today

The Oakland Tribune columns fully describe each phase of the construction. The site was open to the public during construction.

Great care was taken in selecting the residence, which occupies a prominent corner overlooking the Claremont golf course and facing the Golden Gate.

“The Mediterranean type of architecture was selected to conform to the contour of the site and to the general rolling nature of the terrain.”

Frederick Reimers July 29, 1928

The house has sixteen rooms, each with an individual style. It also has a ballroom, library, and smoking room.  

The halls and library have floors of colored, hand-made tile and arched doorways.  

Ground Floor – Oakland Tribune 1928

It is further enhanced by a series of walled-in courts and terraces. 

The landscaping was done under the supervision of Johannes Reimers, a local landscaper and artist who was also Frederick’s father.

Tribune-Schlesinger Home Breaks Ground

On August 09, 1928, the official groundbreaking was held in the presence of a large group of Eastbay notables.

Oakland Tribune August 1928

Home Nearing Completion

“Plastering is now ready to start.”

Oakland Tribune 1928

$55,000 was invested in the project, exclusive of the furniture and furnishings.

Unique Feature of Home

“a haven of rest and peace from the busy world.”

Frederick H. Reimers Architect

The exterior brick fireplace and terrace brick walls leading to the entrance are the same color as the stucco.

A Firm Foundation

Another feature was the concrete foundation installed by J.H. Fitzmaurice, Inc., a local concrete contractor. The foundation’s material was of the very best quality at the time. 

All bearing walls are twelve inches in thickness.

Shows Rapid Progress

Significant progress was reported on November 04, 1928. It was expected to open on December 02, 1928.

Oakland Tribune November 1928

Under the guidance of A.L. Abrott of B.F. Schlesinger & Sons, a rare harmony of late Renaissance furnishings, promised to make the home of exceptional interest.

The upper floors followed the lighter moods of the seventeenth century when Venice was still at the height of her glory.

The ballroom or social hall on the ground floor was decorated in the spirit of modern jazz and twentieth-century amusement.

Magnificent Vestibule

Upon entering the vestibule, one is impressed by the tremendous Castillian effect of the entrance and the monumental stairway—the curving staircase with artistic hand-wrought iron railing.

Oakland Tribune October 28, 1928

The main stairway leads to a secondary vestibule, giving access to four bedrooms.

New Type of Telephones

Convenience was the new type of telephone installation by Pacific Bell. Each telephone is placed to obtain the highest possible comfort and privacy for the users and blend in with the decor.

Two main lines were installed: one for the family’s use and the second primarily for the servants’ use.

A hand telephone with a key box was installed in the master bedroom. The keys could cut off the servant’s phone for privacy.

Oakland Tribune 1928

A wall telephone connected to the servants’ line was placed in the garage.

Formally Opened

The formal opening was held on Sunday, December 30, 1928.  Lucile Webster Gleason of the Dufwin Theater, star in “The Shannons of Broadway,” formally opened the doors.

Large Crowds

Ten thousand visitors viewed the home in its first opening week, and seven thousand attended the opening day.

Oakland Tribune Feb 1929

Tribune-Schlesinger Home Claremont Pines

Tribune-Schlesinger Home Claremont Pines Cheney Photo Advertising 1928

Claremont Pines Homes

Oakland Tribune 1929

More Info:

Claremont Pines – Oakland Local Wiki

Today

Google
  •  2 Westminster Drive
  • Frederick H. Reimers, architect
  • C. Dudley de Velbiss – builder
  • York Company Inc. – Developers
  • Built-in 1928
  • Sold for $2,3 million in 2008

The End

Montclair Realty – Pioneers of the Hills

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In 1924 brothers Paul and Herman Pause formed Montclair Realty Co. Before that, Paul worked for the Realty Syndicate.

Oakland Tribune Apr 01, 1928
Paul and Herman Pause

The business district of Montclair looked like this when Montclair Realty was formed.

Graded and staked lots in the undeveloped Montclair district’s downtown in Oakland, California Eston Cheney, photographer. from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room. Circa 1925

Cos. Williams, a builder, was the only other business then.

Sales offices of real estate broker and home builder Cos Williams in the undeveloped Montclair district’s downtown in Oakland, California. Graded and staked lots are visible in the foreground. DATE: [circa 1925] from the Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Room.

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.

Oakland Tribune Sept 18, 1932
6466 Moraga Avenue – 2019

Montclair Highlands

“In All the World No View Like his”

Oakland Tribune 1928
Oakland Tribune Mar 4, 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.

Oakland Tribune May 6, 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

Oakland Tribune 1937

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.

New Montclair Realty Office – Oakland Tribune 1937

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.

Oakland Tribune 1950

Lucille Chasnoff purchased the company after Pause died in 1950. and John Mallett purchased the company from her in 1962.

Oakland Tribune Sept 1962

New Office in 1954-56

Oakland Tribune Jun 29, 1956

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.

The Montclarion 1956

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.

The Montclarion 1956

Out with the Old

The old Montclair Realty building was demolished in 1961 to make room for expanding the Standard Station next door.

The Montclarion
The Montclarion 1961

In 2019 a new building replaced the old and outdated Montclair Realty Office Building.

2084 Mountain Blvd in 2019
The Back of 2084 Moutain in 2019

The new building.

From Forgotten Montclair Facebook Group 2022

Different Logos –

Free Map

Montclair Realty Map

More Info:

The End

Melrose Highlands is Healthier!

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Melrose Highlands is the area off Keller Avenue to the King Estates Open Space, Field Street, and Crest Avenue – The area is now called Eastmont Hills.

Melrose Highlands to Open

Melrose Highlands is a part of the ‘old Houston ranch” (I have to find out more about Houston, I think it might be Hewston), and a portion of the property was used by the National Guard as a rifle range ( see my blog here).  It lies between Leona Heights and Sequoia Country Club and the Upper San Leandro filter plant (7700 Greenly Drive) on the west side.

Oakland Tribune July 17, 1925

The tract opened on July 19, 1925

C.P. Murdock was the developer and sales agent for Melrose Highlands.

Oakland Tribune July 12, 1925

Melrose Highlands location was ideal for the people to be employed in the industrial plants of East Oakland. It was up the hill from the Chevrolet Assembly plant that opened a few years before.

Oakland Tribune July 26, 1925

They offered a lot and a completely built home on easy terms. A homesite and building material, or just a homesite, could be purchased.

3 Offers to pick from

  1. House and homesite complete – $100 down and $1 a day.
  2. Homesite and material for a house – $50 down and 75c. a day
  3. Homesite – $25 down and 50c.a day

These homes were complete and comfortable, from the concrete foundations to the plastered walls. A sink, wash basin, toilet, and bathtub are included in the price. The kitchens had built-in cabinets.

On Keller Avenue – Oakland Tribune August 23, 1925
Oakland Tribune November 8, 1925

A group of 12 homes was almost complete. Oakland Tribune – July 26, 1925

“In Melrose Highlands we are going to give the working man a chance to get the sort of house to which he has long looked for “

  C.P. Murdock, Inc. –
Oakland Tribune – July 12, 1925

 

Transportation

CP Murdock established a bus line that ran on a regular schedule designed to appeal to the wage earners of the industrial district.

Oakland Tribune August 23, 1925

“Men can reach their work, women can go shopping, and children can get to high school, from Melrose Highlands”

August 23, 1925
Oakland Tribune January 15, 1926

A.J. Krajnc and His Home In Melrose Highlands

In September 1925, Anton J. Krajnc moved into his new home with his wife and daughter. This was his first time buying a home and the first family on Earl Street.

“It’s Paying Me To Live In Melrose Highlands”

A.J. Krajnc

From the 1928 Directory – 234 is now 7957 Earl Steet
Oakland Tribune 1925
The House Today Google Maps

The Adams home on Earl Street

The new home of William E. Adams on Earl Street. Their home was located at lot No. 232, now 7941 Earl Street, but the houses don’t look the same.

Oakland Tribune November 29, 1925
7941 Earl Street -Google Maps

“Croup Cured by Warm Climate of Melrose Highlands”

“I am so glad we moved to Melrose Highlands,” states Mrs. W Booth. “Over on 64th Avenue, I was up almost every night taking care of one or more children suffering from croup.”

Oakland Tribune January 17, 1926

“Melrose Highlands is healtier.”

Mrs Boothe 1926
1927 Directory – Anderson Street is now Kelller Avenue
The Booth Home today 7908 Earl Street – Google Maps

Moved from San Francisco to Melrose Highlands

“I still work in San Francisco as a molder, and find that by taking my car over to the Seminary Southern Pacific Station I get home at night by 5:45.”

Oakland Tribune January 31, 1926
A similar house to theirs – Google Maps

Homes and Life in Melrose Highlands

Oakland Tribune Apr 1926
Oakland Tribune August 29, 1926

Many New Homes

Oakland Tribune January 17, 1926

New School for Melrose Highlands

In 1923  the “Columbia Park School” was built on Sunkist Drive.  It was next to the home of Susie Thompson and her husband Roy, who lived at 6886 Sunkist Drive.

Oakland Tribune 1925

Mrs. Thompson was the custodian of the one-room school building for three years when only 14 families lived in the area.

The school was later destroyed in a high wind, replaced by a new school (down the street), and then renamed the Charles Burckhalter School. Oakland Tribune, May 10, 1969.

Glad I Moved to Melrose Highlands

In January 1927, a new store was opened by John G. Koch. The store was located at 7979 Macarthur (give or take a few numbers). The building was later in the way of construction of the MacArthur Freeway (580).

“We have a fast-growing community here, and as fine a place to live as any could want”

J. Koch, the first grocer in Melrose Highlands

Oakland Tribune March 13, 1927

More Melrose Highlands Homes

Oakland Tribune January 3, 1926

The picture below shows the progress of Melrose Highlands as of June 1926. The streets with the most homes are Earl Street, Winthrop Street, Keller Avenue, and Greenly Drive.

Oakland Tribune July 11, 1926

More Info:

To be continued with the next phase of homes built in the 1930s to 1940s

Updated June 2023

The End