Mountain View Mid-Century Modern: Monta Loma
Monta Loma is a Mountain View neighborhood where Eichler, Mackay and Mardell homes share a mid-century setting. Knowing which builder created a particular house is the first step toward understanding its plan, construction and history.
One neighborhood, three builders
The Monta Loma Neighborhood Association identifies three original developments: Eichler’s Fairview, Mackay’s Oakwood and Mardell Manor. The neighborhood is bounded by San Antonio Road, Middlefield Road, Rengstorff Avenue and Central Expressway. Those are neighborhood boundaries, not proof that every property within them is an Eichler.
How many Eichlers are in Monta Loma?
The City of Mountain View’s Historic Context Statement describes Fairview as having around 200 homes, built circa 1954–1957. The neighborhood association describes over 200. We therefore use approximately 200 Eichlers for Fairview/Monta Loma, rather than presenting an exact current inventory. Original approvals, completed homes and surviving houses are different measures.
Architecture and original layouts
The City’s account credits both Anshen & Allen and Jones & Emmons with Fairview designs. The neighborhood association describes many original Eichlers as compact three-bedroom, two-bath homes of about 1,116 square feet. Verify the actual home’s size, architect and alterations from property-specific records.
On a tour, look at the exposed structure, ceiling materials, glazing and connection to outdoor spaces. Then compare those observations with original plans. A modern façade or open living room alone cannot establish the builder.
Explore Eichler floor plans and read our guide to courtyards and atriums for questions to bring to a showing.
Monta Loma and Bell Meadows are different tracts
The City identifies Bell Meadows, originally called Grandmeadow, as a separate 53-home Eichler development from 1972 near Trophy and Eichler drives. Its later Claude Oakland designs should not be folded into Monta Loma’s neighborhood count or architectural description.
What to check before buying
Identity: Confirm the original builder and recorded tract.
Condition: Review the roof, glazing, drainage and heating with qualified inspectors.
Changes: Compare the present layout with available original plans and permit records.
Location: Visit the specific street at different times and verify school assignments directly with the district.
A good comparison considers the property’s condition, documented improvements and location—not simply whether a listing uses the phrase “mid-century modern.”
Sources
City of Mountain View: Historic Context Statement, final draft dated October 1, 2024, Fairview and Bell Meadows discussion.
Monta Loma Neighborhood Association: Home Styles, builder distinctions and neighborhood boundaries.
“(Eichler’s) houses were smart and cheap and good. They brought clean design and simple taste to lower-income people.”
Find your Monta Loma home
Eric & Janelle Boyenga can help you compare Eichler and other mid-century homes in Mountain View, with attention to the specific builder, layout and condition.
Ask the Boyenga Team about Monta Loma
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