Homestead Terrace
March, 2008
Homestead Terrace soon after its completion in 1969 > click to enlarge
The above photo was taken in 1969 when construction of Homestead Terrace on Linden Lane was just about complete. It is Federal Public Housing, Elderly/Disabled, for residents at least 62 years old with very low income. There are 27 studio apartments in 5 buildings plus a community building.
In 1903, house painter Michael J. Maguire of South Carolina built a large two-story house and a stable for horses on this property. He and his wife Winifred raised their five sons here. The youngest son, Robert (Red) Maguire and his wife Jean, an acclaimed cellist and a co-founder of the Marin Symphony, raised their family here.
In June 1966, when project plans for Homestead Terrace were announced, initial reaction of neighbors was negative: density was too high and increased traffic would be a hazard. But in September 1966, the Homestead Valley Improvement Club voted to support the project and a week later it was approved by the Marin County Board of Supervisors. Construction was completed and a dedication ceremony was held in April 1969.
In 1974 it received the Bay Area AIA Design Excellence Honor Award. Architecture was by Campbell & Wong. Landscape architecture was by Royston, Hanamoto, Beck and Abey. Both Robert Royston and Eldon Beck still live in Homestead Valley.
If you have comments or questions about this article or other topics
pertaining to the history of Homestead Valley,
please feel free to e-mail Chuck Oldenburg.