The Mountain View Eichler Tracts: A Dive into Mid-Century Modern Excellence

Nestled in the vibrant town of Mountain View, the Eichler homes stand as an enduring testament to the appeal of mid-century modern design. Comprising 275 homes, the Mountain View Eichler communities are iconic, unique, and rich in history.

Fairview Tract in Monta Loma
The expansive Fairview tract, located in the Monta Loma neighborhood, is home to 200 Eichler beauties. As you drive through Quincy Drive, Benjamin Drive, Thaddeus Drive, Dell Avenue, and the surrounding streets, you’re immediately transported to an era of architectural innovation. The homes in this tract were primarily built in the mid-1950s and predominantly feature 3-bedroom, 2-bath designs.
Notably, while this area boasts of Eichler’s designs, the neighborhood is a mix, presenting homes reminiscent of the Eichler aesthetic, including those by Mackay Homes and Mardell Homes. This confluence of mid-century modern designs creates a harmonious neighborhood, seamlessly blending together while each maintaining their distinct charm.

One of the intriguing aspects of the Fairview tract is the involvement of the Jones and Emmons architectural firm. By 1954, Joseph Eichler had parted ways with Anshen + Allen. Still, spotting them during a walkthrough for John Mackay (Eichler’s competitor), Eichler reconciled and began using both the architectural pairs – Anshen + Allen, and Jones + Emmons – concurrently for developments until 1960. This collaboration resulted in the unique blend of architectural designs in the Fairview tract.

Bell Meadows Tract
Journey three miles south of Monta Loma, and you’ll find yourself amidst the Eichler gems of Bell Meadows. Comprising 75 homes, this tract showcases the evolution of Eichler’s design philosophy.

Built primarily between 1972 and 1973, the homes here are noticeably different from the more spartan Eichlers in Monta Loma. Claude Oakland & Associates, known for their innovative approach, designed most of the Bell Meadows Eichlers. These homes boast enclosed atriums or galleries and are larger, predominantly featuring 4-bedroom designs and some are creekside bordering Permanente Creek.

Many of these designs, particularly the Atrium and Gallery models, sit on expansive lots, especially those cul-de-sac homes on Trophy Drive and Eichler Court. These homes are a testament to the architectural marvels that Eichler and Oakland envisioned and realized in the early ’70s.

Setting the Record Straight
It’s worth noting a common misconception regarding Steve Jobs’ childhood home. Although widely believed that Jobs grew up in a Mountain View Eichler, he actually lived in a John Mackay home on Diablo, which shares a striking resemblance to Eichler’s designs. This can be credited to Mackay’s collaboration with Eichler’s frequent collaborators, Anshen + Allen.

The Eichler Legacy in Mountain View
The Eichler tracts in Mountain View aren’t just homes; they represent a significant chapter in mid-century modern architecture. From the charming 3-bedroom homes in Fairview to the grand 4-bedroom designs in Bell Meadows, Eichler’s legacy in Mountain View is palpable.
For aficionados of mid-century modern design, the Mountain View Eichler tracts offer a journey through time, showcasing the evolution of Eichler’s vision, collaborations, and undying passion for creating homes that are both functional and aesthetically appealing.

Reach out to the Boyenga Team

To find out more about Mountain View Eichler Homes whether in Bell Meadows, Fairview, or surrounding areas of Palo Alto, Los Altos, and Sunnyvale, let the Property Nerds of the Boyenga Team help guide you whether you are buying, selling, or just want to be kept abreast of the Eichler real estate market for more information feel free to visit www.EichlerHomesforSale.com or www.BayAreaEichlerHomes.com