Grandmeadow: Eichler's Mountain View Architectural Jewel

Located primarily three miles south of Monta Loma, Grandmeadow consists of approximately 53 Eichler homes that stand testament to Joseph Eichler’s design philosophy’s evolution. Built between 1972-1973, these homes differ noticeably from the older homes built in Fairview/Monta Loma. The designs, predominantly by Claude Oakland & Associates, leaned towards innovation, breaking away from previous norms. Homes in this area are mainly characterized by:
-Enclosed atriums or galleries
-Predominantly 4-bedroom designs
-Larger plots, especially for homes on Trophy Drive and Eichler Court
-Proximity to Mountain View’s vibrant downtown area, positioning Grandview/Bell Meadows as one of the best-preserved Eichler neighborhoods in Silicon Valley.

Grandmeadow: The Googletown Marvel
Three miles from the heart of Google’s headquarters, Grandmeadow has its unique charm. Despite lacking a formal neighborhood association, the sense of community in this tract is palpable. Comprising 53 Eichler homes, the area thrives on the bond shared between its residents. Built in 1972, the neighborhood, though often unnamed today, holds an enchanting allure. Features that make Grandmeadow stand out:
Strong sense of community and looking out for one another
Beautifully preserved homes with a few modern touches
Homes designed by Claude Oakland & Associates, including atrium and gallery models

A laid-back tract layout that fosters sociability, featuring streets named in honor of the builder, like Eichler Street and Eichler Court.
The community’s proximity to Google has led to many Google employees making Grandmeadow their home. This influx of tech professionals has not only added to the neighborhood’s vibrancy but has also reinforced its desirability. Homes, including a custom-designed one for Tom Tripiano, Joe Eichler’s friend, have fetched more than $3 million, underscoring the area’s appeal.

Joseph Eichler History:

Joseph Eichler (1900-1974) was a real estate developer responsible for creating distinctive homes in California between the 1950s and 1970s. These homes, commonly referred to as “Eichler Homes,” are known for their unique architectural features:

1. Open Floor Plans: One of the hallmark features of Eichler homes is the open, flowing floor plan, which was a departure from the more segmented designs of many homes from earlier eras.
2. Integration with Nature: Eichler homes often have large windows, atriums, and courtyards, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces.
3. Post-and-Beam Construction: This construction method allowed for fewer load-bearing walls, contributing to the open floor plan concept.
4. Flat or Low-Sloping Roofs: Many Eichler homes feature flat roofs, though some have slight slopes.
5. Minimalist Exteriors: The homes often have a simple and clean façade with a strong emphasis on horizontal lines.

Joseph Eichler and Social Justice

Eichler was also known for his commitment to social justice. He was one of the few developers of his time who sold homes to minority buyers, defying the racially discriminatory norms of his era. Even in many of the CC & R’s restricted people of color to live in the community this type of racial discrimination Joseph Eichler would have nothing to do with.

Preserving History and Community Spirit
Grandmeadow, sometimes known as Bell Meadows, with its unique architecture and community spirit, has faced challenges. Efforts by residents have led to successful preservation against potential threats like high-rise developments. The community’s spirit was evident when residents rallied together, contributing to secure a single-story zoning overlay, which was granted in 2011. Now, with the neighborhoods nearing their 50th anniversaries, there are talks of seeking historical district status, ensuring these Eichler tracts are preserved for generations to come.
The architectural beauty of these neighborhoods, combined with their close-knit communities, makes them some of Silicon Valley’s most desirable places to live. As the Eichler homes stand tall, so does the spirit of unity and community, proving that good design and good neighbors make for an unbeatable combination.

Neighborhood Attractions Close to Grandmeadow
Google Headquarters (Googleplex): Located just three miles from Grandmeadow, the sprawling campus of the tech giant is an attraction in itself. With its unique architecture, art installations, and beautiful landscaping, it’s a must-visit for tech enthusiasts. They often provide guided tours, allowing visitors to get a glimpse of the inner workings of one of the world’s most influential companies.

Downtown Mountain View: Not far from Grandmeadow/Bell Gardens, Downtown Mountain View / Castro Street offers a vibrant mix of dining, shopping, and cultural activities. From charming cafes to boutiques, this area is a haven for those looking to spend quality time.

Restaurants
Certainly! Castro Street in Mountain View is known for its diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and eateries. It’s a hub for those looking for a variety of culinary experiences. While the specific restaurants might change over time due to various factors like business openings, closings, or relocations, as of my last update in January 2022, here’s a list of some popular and notable restaurants on Castro Street:

Cascal: This vibrant restaurant offers a mix of Latin flavors, serving tapas and other dishes inspired by various Latin countries.

Amber India: One of the Bay Area’s most well-regarded Indian restaurants, offering a range of traditional and modern dishes.

Oren’s Hummus: A spot for fresh and tasty Israeli dishes, especially known for its creamy hummus and other Middle Eastern delights.

Dana Street Roasting Company: A popular local coffee shop that serves freshly roasted coffee, pastries, and other light bites.

Steins Beer Garden & Restaurant: A modern American gastropub that offers a diverse beer selection alongside a menu of hearty dishes.

Maru Ichi: A favorite for those craving authentic Japanese ramen.

Shabuway: A Japanese-style hot pot restaurant where diners can cook their own meats and veggies in flavorful broths.

Eureka!: Known for its gourmet burgers, craft beers, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Agave Mexican Bistro: Offering a range of Mexican dishes in a festive environment.

Crepevine: A restaurant that specializes in crepes but also offers a variety of salads, sandwiches, and breakfast items.

Xanh Restaurant: A modern Vietnamese restaurant with a stylish interior and an expansive menu.

Mizu Sushi Bar & Grill: Serving a mix of sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes.

Parks and Recreational Areas:

Shoreline Park: This is a vast recreational area located in Mountain View, CA. It encompasses the Shoreline Lake, which is perfect for paddleboarding, sailing, and bird-watching. The park also has numerous trails suitable for walking, jogging, and biking, offering beautiful views of the wetlands and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Shoreline Amphitheater: Right next to Shoreline Park is the Shoreline Amphitheater, one of the Bay Area’s premier concert venues. It hosts a range of events from music concerts, festivals, to other live performances. Its open-air setting and large seating capacity make it a popular destination for both artists and audiences.

Cuesta Park: Located a bit further south in Mountain View, Cuesta Park is a spacious park offering a variety of amenities like tennis courts, basketball courts, children’s playgrounds, picnic areas, and open grassy fields. It’s a great place for families and individuals alike.

Stevens Creek Trail: A scenic multi-use trail that starts in Mountain View and extends southward. It’s excellent for biking, jogging, or walking and passes through a variety of landscapes, including urban areas and natural habitats.

Rengstorff Park: Another park in Mountain View, this one offers a community center, pool, skate park, and several sports fields and courts. It’s one of the larger parks in the city and frequently hosts community events.

Charleston Park: Located near Googleplex, this park offers walking paths, play structures for kids, and is well-maintained. It’s a good place for a quick break or a short walk.

Community Events: From the annual block party on Eichler Drive to the neighborhood garage sale initiated by Frank Zong, Grandmeadow seems to be a vibrant community with regular events. These offer both residents and visitors a chance to mingle and understand the local culture.

Local Art and Music Scene: Shoreline Amphitheatre: As previously mentioned, the Shoreline Amphitheatre is one of the Bay Area’s premier outdoor concert venues. Throughout the year, it hosts a wide array of music concerts from big-name artists to music festivals and more.

Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts (MVCPA): A major hub for arts in the city, MVCPA offers a plethora of shows, ranging from plays and dance performances to concerts and comedy shows. Local production companies and touring groups alike use this venue.

Art & Wine Festival: Held annually, the Mountain View Art & Wine Festival is one of the most beloved events in the area. It showcases local artists, craftspeople, and musicians. There are numerous stalls displaying handmade crafts, jewelry, and artwork, along with live music performances.

Public Art: Mountain View has an active public art program, which means you can often find sculptures, murals, and installations as you stroll through the city. This program beautifies the city and adds an artistic flair to public spaces.

Local Music Scene: There are several local bars, cafes, and restaurants that feature live music, especially on weekends. The genres are diverse, reflecting the eclectic tastes of the Bay Area. Singer-songwriters, jazz musicians, rock bands, and many others often perform in these intimate settings.

Art Galleries: While Mountain View isn’t necessarily known for a large number of art galleries, there are a few spots where local artists can showcase their work. Plus, its proximity to other Bay Area cities means it’s easy to find nearby galleries and exhibitions.

Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA): Located in Mountain View, CSMA offers art and music education for children and adults alike. They frequently host art exhibitions, music recitals, and other events that are open to the community

Local Arts Organizations: There are several local arts organizations and groups that support and promote the arts in Mountain View. These organizations might host workshops, exhibitions, or other community events to engage the public with arts and culture

Mountain View Schools

Mountain View, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is served by multiple school districts. The most prominent ones are the Mountain View Whisman School District (MVWSD) for elementary and middle schools and the Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District (MVLA) for high schools. Let’s delve into these districts and some of their schools:

Mountain View Whisman School District (MVWSD)

MVWSD oversees the public elementary and middle schools in Mountain View. As of my last update in January 2022, here are some of the schools in this district:

Mountain View Elementary Schools:

1. Bubb Elementary: A prominent school that emphasizes community involvement and academic excellence.
2. Castro Elementary: Known for its dual-language immersion program.
3. Huff Elementary: Recognized multiple times as a California Distinguished School.
4. Landels Elementary: Offers a diverse curriculum and has a reputation for strong community ties.
5. Mistral Elementary: Another school with a dual-language immersion program, focusing on Spanish and English.
6. Stevenson Elementary: Emphasizes individualized learning and parent participation.
7. Theuerkauf Elementary: Known for its arts-integrated curriculum and STEAM focus.

Mountain View Middle Schools:

1. Crittenden Middle: Offers a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum, emphasizing project-based learning.
2. Graham Middle: Known for its robust academic programs and strong sense of community.

Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District (MVLA)

This district oversees the public high schools serving Mountain View and the nearby Los Altos region.

Mountain View / Los Altos High Schools:

1. Mountain View High School (MVHS): Offers a comprehensive curriculum including AP courses, arts, athletics, and more.
2. Los Altos High School (LAHS): While located in Los Altos, it serves many students from Mountain View. Like MVHS, it has a diverse offering of courses, extracurriculars, and athletic programs.

Alternative and Charter Schools:

1. Alta Vista High School: An alternative high school within MVLA that offers a more individualized approach to learning.
2. Stevenson PACT: An alternative K-8 school within MVWSD that emphasizes parent participation, arts integration, and a collaborative teaching model.
3. Bullis Charter School: Located nearby in Los Altos, this K-8 charter school is another option for some Mountain View residents. It has a reputation for innovation and academic excellence.

Private and Parochial Schools:

Mountain View also has several private and parochial schools, including:

1. St. Francis High School: A private Catholic high school known for its academic and athletic programs.
2. St. Joseph Catholic School: Serving grades K-8, it provides a faith-based education.

Joseph Eichler’s legacy in California, and particularly in areas like Mountain View, is significant. His architectural principles challenged the norms of his time and created spaces that were both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Grandmeadow, with its emphasis on community, is a shining example of Eichler’s broader vision for how people could live together harmoniously in beautifully designed environments.

To find out more about Grandmeadow reach out to the Property Nerds of the Boyenga Team for more information on Eichler homes for sale or visit our website’s www.EichlerHomesForSale.com and www.BayAreaEichlerHomes.com.