Hillcrest Estates

In 1926, the Realty Syndicate signed a promissory note for $1,000,000 backed up by a deed of trust to 163 different properties in the Oakland area, including Hillcrest Estates. In 1946, it was a lien against the property and American Trust Company obtained it on a foreclosure.The American Trust Company filed a record of survey on January 20, 1947 to subdivide a portion of this land from Redwood Road to the Brother's Line (just south of the firehouse). Lots were one acre or more in size and sites sold for $4,000 an acre to $12,000 for a 14-acre site.  All properties within the Hillcrest Estates were safeguarded through deed restrictions and covenants to insure harmonious development. Mason- McDuffie Company was the realtor and their sales office was at the corner of Skyline and Redwood Road. Several homes were built in 1950 and in 1951 a dozen or more families bought lots and started homes in the Hillcrest area.