Michael's Blog

In my research into my San Leandro developer/mayor Earl Derry ( Derry, Weaver & Derry / Derry Bros.)  I have discovered that in several tracts they constructed that they have used architect Irwin Johnson.  It appears that Johnson was the architect who did most of their ranch house designs.

I think that the relationship between Derry and Johnson began with the "Broadmoor Park" tract.  This tract was started off in the late 1920s by developer EB Fields and sold off to the Derrys for completion.

As you may know Irwin Johnson and EB Fields collaborated hugely on Sheffield village.  I have found evidence of Johnson and Derry in the "Lealand Heights", "New Broadmoor" and "Broadmoor Park" all by Derry, Weaver & Derry or Derry Brothers.

• Lealand Heights:  Parker, Sandelin, Norene, Rantoul, Graff, East Juana
• New Broadmoor: Superior Avenue (new), Dutton, Glen, Oakes and Begier.
• Broadmoor Park:  Lee, Arbor, Glen, Oakes, Begier, Pala and Haas.

Dec 7, 1941 and the outbreak of World War II surely had an impact on development on The Broadmoor.  Below is the listing of homes built in The Broadmoor for the year of 1942.

With home owners and construction works going off to war, work on the area homes came to an almost standstill.

One street was the exception to this rule and that would be Georgia Way off of East 14th Street.

Hello blog readers,

This Saturday, May 23rd, I will be hosting an open house in the Lealand Heights area of San Leandro's Bay-o-Vista.

The home is a probate sale priced at $450,000.00.   I will be holding it open for Ernest, a Realtor in my Prudential California Realty office.

I asked Ernest if I can hold this open, because I love this neighborhood.  I'd really like to sell you one of these Lealand Heights homes.

Lealand Heights was built in the late 1930s and early 1940's by the Derry Bros. Co.    Homes by the Derry Brothers will be very well built and with lots of charm and character.  This home that I will be holding open as described by Ernest in the MLS

"Large, spacious older home with lots of original charm. Terrific bay views. Two fireplaces. Two bedrooms upstairs, one downstairs. Needs upgrades, and cosmetic work.  It's a nice house in a nice area"

Stop on by and say hello

1939, a year that stands out in the 1930s.  One of the best years ever for Hollywood Glamour and the Art Deco lifestyle.

Such movies as Gone with the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Goodbye, Mr. Chips, Destry Rides Again,  The Young Mr. Lincoln and Dark Victory.

Homes built in this era would reflect a 1939 Hollywood Glam Art-Deco feel to them.  If this is the type of home you are looking for these streets would be the places to look.

The Lebon tract, which includes Diehl and Fortuna Avenue appear to have been the hot spots within The Broadmoor during this period.  The Lebon tract was built by the Diehl Family as developers.

Across Dutton Avenue the New Broadmoor tract was begining with the Derry Bros., building the upper portions of Glen, Oakes and Begier as well as the newer section of Superior Avenue.  This area is part of Estudillo Estates although the tract name is actually "New Broadmoor".

 I'll have to do this series for Estudillo Estates  next.   I do have to admit I am having fun finding out what was built when and where.

Here in my second posting of this series, I wanted to share with you the timeline of what homes were built when.

Here is a list of homes constructed in San Leandro's "The Broadmoor" neighborhood in the year 1926.   It looks like Alice and Helen Avenue was the hot construction zone during this year.  119 homes constructed during 1926 in this, our area.

Some contruction on Lewis, Diehl and Mitchell.  Superior Avenue is just starting to gear up.  West Broadmoor also has quite a bit of activity also.

Always the historian, I have been just itching to find out what was built when and where within The Broadmoor.  I collected this information from Alameda County Public Records.

Starting with the homes in my area, Derry, Weaver and Derry's "Cherry City Tract".  As you can see, 1927 was the year for Superior Avenue being the hub of activity.  Streets such as Diehl and Lewis only having a few homes being constructed.

1927 is a great year for storybook style homes right smack in the middle of that design style's lifespan.

It shows you the difference between a tract of homes vs select custom home constrution

Hello Blog readers,

I have finally joined Linkedin professional contact network.  If you would like, please add me to your contact groups.

Please let me know that you know me from Activerain real estate network and Localism.com

Here is my link to my profile on that site.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgreenslade

Hi there blog readers,

Just to let you know that I have been elected to the board of The Broadmoor Neighborhood Association.  I hope that I can do my neighborhood justice as their representitive.  Being on the board of "The Broadmoor" is something I have wanted to do for a while.

Having lived in The Broadmoor all of my life I am happy to finally be on the board.   I am so proud of my wonderful neighborhood.

I have got to be The Broadmoor's greatest cheerleader.   It truely is a great place to live and I am so very proud of it.

If you are looking for the East Bay, consider San Leandro's "The Broadmoor" neighborhood.  Give me a call, because I would love to help you find a great home!