Pomeroy West: Eichler style townhomes in Santa Clara 95051

Historical Background of the Pomeroy West Eichlers in Santa Clara

The Pomeroy West Eichlers form one of Santa Clara’s most distinctive mid-century modern neighborhoods. Built during the early 1960s, this enclave sits just west of Pomeroy Avenue, close to the Lawrence Expressway corridor and within minutes of Santa Clara’s rapidly growing tech centers. Although smaller and less publicized than the headline Eichler tracts in Palo Alto or Cupertino, Pomeroy West represents an important chapter in Joseph Eichler’s effort to bring modernist architecture to the heart of the Santa Clara Valley.

Development of the tract occurred during a time when Santa Clara was rapidly transitioning from orchards to suburban neighborhoods. Against this backdrop, Eichler Homes introduced a modern alternative to the typical ranch subdivisions appearing throughout the valley. Pomeroy West offered residents the same progressive design philosophy found in Eichler’s better-known communities: openness, transparency, and a strong connection to outdoor living.

Unlike many other mid-century tracts in Santa Clara—which were built by Mackay, Gavello, or independent developers—Pomeroy West is entirely composed of authentic Eichler homes. It remains one of the city’s very few clusters where the architectural DNA of Eichler’s signature style survives in concentrated form. Over the decades, the neighborhood has maintained a low profile, cherished mostly by residents and modernist fans who appreciate its design heritage and human-scaled environment.

Architectural Style, Layout, and Distinguishing Features

Pomeroy West is a showcase of early-1960s Eichler architecture. The homes were designed by Jones & Emmons and Claude Oakland, Eichler’s most prolific architectural partners. Their plans at Pomeroy West emphasize clarity of structure, open interiors, and seamless indoor–outdoor living. Key features include:

Post-and-Beam Structure

The signature Eichler post-and-beam framework is central to the Pomeroy West homes. Exposed beams run through the interior and exterior, supporting broad roof spans with minimal walls. This allowed architects to create soaring open spaces and long sightlines uncommon in traditional suburban houses of the period.

Low Profiles and Expansive Rooflines

Every home in Pomeroy West is single-story, with low-pitched or slightly gabled roofs that stretch across the full width of each property. Deep eaves shade the walls of glass while reinforcing the horizontal modernist aesthetic. From the street, houses appear understated—private, quiet, and unobtrusive.

Glass Walls and Courtyard Living

Floor-to-ceiling glass panels, sliders, and clerestory windows form the backbone of the design. Living rooms and primary bedrooms typically orient toward private rear patios or enclosed atriums, producing the dramatic indoor–outdoor fluidity for which Eichlers are admired. Many homes also use interior courtyards as sheltered outdoor rooms.

Open Floor Plans

Large communal living spaces—often combining living, dining, and family rooms under one continuous ceiling—define the interiors. Vaulted beam ceilings, natural light, and uninterrupted spatial flow create an atmosphere that remains contemporary even 60 years after construction.

Mid-Century Materials and Details

Radiant heating embedded in the concrete slab, wood paneling (usually Philippine mahogany), globe lighting, and minimalist built-ins are part of the original design vocabulary. Many Pomeroy West homes still retain these elements or have been sensitively restored.

Taken together, the architectural qualities of Pomeroy West represent one of Santa Clara’s most cohesive examples of California Modernism, offering residents simplicity, privacy, and a modernist serenity rarely found in postwar suburban tracts.

Architects and Eichler’s Influence on the Neighborhood

Pomeroy West’s architectural identity is inseparable from the work of Jones & Emmons and Claude Oakland, whose partnership defined much of Eichler’s 1950s and 1960s design language. These architects advanced Eichler’s commitment to making high-quality modernism accessible to middle-class families.

Their contributions at Pomeroy West extend beyond exterior profile or interior layouts:

• Homes were carefully oriented to maximize sunlight in winter while minimizing overheating in summer.

• Courtyards and patios were incorporated into plans to encourage outdoor living in a suburban environment.

• Spatial flow was choreographed so that even modestly sized homes feel airy and expansive.

The Pomeroy West tract stands as a strong example of how Eichler’s architects adapted modernist ideals to fit the evolving suburban fabric of Santa Clara during a period of tremendous growth.

Development Timeline and Construction

Pomeroy West was built in the early 1960s, during one of the most ambitious phases of Eichler Homes’ expansion into the South Bay. Construction progressed rapidly, as demand for Eichler’s modern designs surged among engineers, designers, and young families working in the burgeoning tech and electronics industries of the Santa Clara Valley.

While the tract is modest in scale, it represents one of the few pure Eichler pockets in Santa Clara. Other nearby neighborhoods feature mid-century homes from various builders, but Pomeroy West remains cohesive in appearance and layout—an important factor in its lasting architectural appeal.

Connections to Other Mid-Century Developers

While Santa Clara is home to neighborhoods built by Mackay, Gavello, and other postwar developers, Pomeroy West is distinctive because:

• It is a true Eichler tract, not merely Eichler-influenced.

• Its architecture directly reflects the signature style of Eichler’s top architects, rather than derivative interpretations.

• It retains a deeper level of design coherence than many neighboring tracts, which have a mix of ranch styles and more traditional postwar designs.

Although Pomeroy West shares broad principles with other mid-century modern developers—open planning, indoor–outdoor flow, and post-and-beam structure—its architectural pedigree and integrity set it apart within Santa Clara.

Historical and Architectural Significance

Pomeroy West has emerged as one of Santa Clara’s most important mid-century resources. Its significance comes from:

Architectural Integrity

A substantial number of homes still preserve original Eichler elements, making the neighborhood a valuable study area for mid-century modern design.

Cultural Value

Eichler Homes are associated with progressive postwar ideals, including openness, egalitarianism, and community-minded planning. Pomeroy West embodies these values through its pedestrian-friendly layout, modest street presence, and orientation toward shared outdoor spaces.

Rarity

Santa Clara contains relatively few intact mid-century modern enclaves. Pomeroy West, alongside nearby Eichler clusters, forms one of the city’s most concentrated surviving examples of Eichler design.

Preservationists and MCM enthusiasts increasingly recognize the neighborhood as a significant piece of Santa Clara’s architectural landscape. Several homes have been restored with an eye toward authenticity, and the community’s history continues to gain attention among mid-century scholars and collectors.

Current Neighborhood Character

Today, Pomeroy West maintains a quiet, residential atmosphere. Many original owners or long-term residents have passed their homes on to modernist-minded buyers who appreciate the unique lifestyle Eichler homes offer. The result is a blend of vintage and updated properties, with many renovations attempting to respect the original architectural intent.

Landscaping tends to remain understated—mature trees, modest front yards, and the simple, horizontal geometry of the homes contribute to a cohesive streetscape. Though a handful of houses have been altered over time, the majority retain enough original massing and materials for the area to still feel unmistakably “Eichler.”

Real Estate Activity and Market Trends

Demand for Eichler homes across the Bay Area remains extremely strong, and Pomeroy West is no exception. Key trends include:

• High desirability among mid-century buyers seeking original architecture in Silicon Valley.

• Premium prices for homes that preserve features such as exposed beams, glass walls, atriums, and radiant heat.

• Strong resale performance, particularly for sensitively restored properties.

Homes in Pomeroy West typically range between 1,300 and 1,800 sq ft, and often sell for prices similar to or slightly below larger Eichler tracts in nearby Cupertino or Palo Alto, giving them particular appeal to enthusiasts seeking authentic MCM design at a relatively more accessible price point.

Pomeroy West: A Mid-Century Gem in Santa Clara

Pomeroy West remains one of Santa Clara’s quietly iconic mid-century modern enclaves. Its rich architectural pedigree, livable floorplans, and serene setting help explain why these homes continue to captivate buyers more than half a century after construction. Though less widely recognized than some of Eichler’s more celebrated developments, Pomeroy West offers an intimate and authentic taste of California Modernism—proof that thoughtful design can endure, adapt, and continue to inspire across generations.

Eric & Janelle Boyenga
Founding Partners | The Boyenga Team at Compass
📞 Call/Text: 408-373-1660
📧 Email: homes@boyenga.com
🌐 www.BoyengaTeam.com | www.EichlerHomesForSale.com
CA DRE #01254724 / #01254725