Mountain View Mid-Century Modern: Monta Loma
Mountain View California, the Monta Loma neighborhood is a mid-century modern community that captures the essence of post-war suburban America. Home to over 200 iconic Eichler homes, Monta Loma offers a unique blend of architectural innovation, community spirit, and historical significance. Whether you're a mid-century modern enthusiast or simply looking for a tight-knit community, Monta Loma has something special to offer
A Glimpse into Monta Loma
The Eichler homes in Monta Loma, part of the larger Fairview tract, were built in the mid-1950s. These homes are known for their distinctive architectural style, characterized by clean lines, open floor plans, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Most of the Monta Loma Eichlers are 3-bedroom, 2-bath designs, offering around 1,116 square feet of living space. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Jones & Emmons, these homes embody the mid-century modern ethos of simplicity, functionality, and harmony with nature.
Located on streets such as Quincy Drive, Benjamin Drive, Thaddeus Drive, Dell Avenue, Emmons Drive, Nedson Court, Victory Avenue, Richard Court, Alvin Street, and Thompson Avenue, the Fairview tract is a vibrant community where the spirit of mid-century modern design is alive and well.
Home Designs
Monta Loma's Eichler homes are quintessential examples of mid-century modern design, characterized by their clean lines, open floor plans, and seamless integration with nature. Built primarily in the mid-1950s, these homes typically feature 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with an average living space of about 1,116 square feet.
Key Architectural Features
Open Floor Plans: The interiors are designed to promote a sense of spaciousness and fluidity, ideal for family interaction and flexibility in use.
Post-and-Beam Construction: This allows for expansive glass walls, creating a light, airy feel and strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Floor-to-Ceiling Windows: Large glass windows and sliding doors bring in abundant natural light and offer unobstructed views of the outdoors.
Indoor-Outdoor Living: Private courtyards, atriums, and patios extend the living areas, emphasizing a connection to nature.
Plank Ceilings and Mahogany Paneling: These features add warmth and character to the interiors, showcasing the architectural integrity of the homes.
While maintaining their mid-century charm, many Monta Loma Eichler homes have been updated with modern amenities, including energy-efficient upgrades and contemporary kitchen and bathroom renovations, enhancing both functionality and comfort.
The Mid-Century Architects
Joseph Eichler, the visionary developer behind the Eichler homes, was committed to bringing modern architecture to the masses. His collaboration with architects like Jones & Emmons, Anshen & Allen, and Claude Oakland resulted in the creation of iconic homes that are still highly sought after today.
Joseph Eichler and John Mackay both played pivotal roles in the development of Monta Loma's mid-century modern homes. Joseph Eichler, known for his commitment to modern architecture, collaborated with architects Jones & Emmons to design and build approximately 200 Eichler homes in the Fairview tract in 1954. These homes were primarily 3-bedroom, 2-bath models, emphasizing open floor plans and a strong connection to the outdoors. Around the same time, John Mackay, an Eichler competitor, also developed homes in Monta Loma, utilizing architects Anshen & Allen, who had previously worked with Eichler. Despite their rivalry, Eichler and Mackay's developments collectively contributed to the unique architectural landscape of Monta Loma, making it a notable example of mid-century modern design.
Jones & Emmons, the architects behind the Fairview tract in Monta Loma, were known for their innovative designs that emphasized natural light, open spaces, and a strong connection to the outdoors. Their work in Monta Loma features many of these hallmarks, creating homes that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Claude Oakland, who took over much of the architectural development for the Bell Meadows tract three miles south of Monta Loma, brought his unique vision to the larger, 4-bedroom Eichler homes built in the early 1970s. These homes often feature enclosed atriums and galleries, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to the Eichler legacy.
Community and Historical Significance
Monta Loma is more than just a collection of beautiful homes; it's a community with a rich history and a strong sense of togetherness. The neighborhood is bordered by San Antonio Road to the west, Middlefield Road to the north, Rengstorff Avenue to the east, and Central Expressway to the south. This roughly square area is home to around 1,100 homes, including later additions and apartments.
The community spirit in Monta Loma is palpable. From neighborhood block parties and gratitude chalk events to knitting clubs and birding excursions, there's always something happening in Monta Loma. The neighborhood also serves as a test track for self-driving cars from tech firms like Waymo and Nuro, adding a modern twist to its mid-century roots.
Monta Loma's historical significance is highlighted by its connection to notable figures and events. Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, is rumored to spend part of his childhood in a home built by John Mackay in Monta Loma. The neighborhood's Eichler tract was built on the site of a former airport, with Alvin Street following the footprint of the old landing field.
“(Eichler’s) houses were smart and cheap and good. They brought clean design and simple taste to lower-income people.”
Finding Your Home in Monta Loma
If you want to learn more about Monta Loma, the Boyenga Team is here to help. As a top-producing real estate team with over 50 years of combined experience, Eric and Janelle Boyenga offer unparalleled expertise and marketing prowess in Mountain View and beyond. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or simply explore the mid-century modern treasures of Monta Loma, the Boyenga Team can provide the representation you deserve.
Contact the Boyenga Team today to find the home of your dreams