Welcome to Ross Park, a sought-after South Palo Alto neighborhood originally built by Mackay Homes with architecture by Anshen and Allen. This updated original home showcases their California Modernist style of architecture with an open and flowing design, beamed and paneled vaulted ceilings, and expansive use of glass for natural light. Numerous updates are found throughout with all new vinyl flooring and new carpet, freshly painted interiors, and updated windows and glass doors. 

The home begins with a signature of a Mackay home – a spacious gated garden courtyard concealed from the street in complete privacy beyond a towering hedge. This, combined with the large back yard finished with synthetic lawn, and all dotted with roses, provides wonderful space for play, entertaining, and gardening. The one-level floor plan has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, a spacious living room, plus a large eat-in kitchen. The primary bedroom suite looks out to the front courtyard and one bedroom, just off the kitchen, is also ideal for a home office, if needed. 

The home’s location is ideal with proximity to Midtown Shopping Center, major Silicon Valley employers, commute routes, local parks (Ramos Park, Mitchell Park), Mitchell Park Library, plus community and recreation centers (YMCA, Eicher Swim & Tennis Club, Cubberly Community Center, and JCC Community Center). All of this, plus access to acclaimed Palo Alto schools. 

History

John Mackay was an American post-war real estate developer, best known for his modernist tract homes built by the company he co-founded, Mackay Homes. He also served on the board of directors for the Children's Health Council and was one of the founders of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation.

In 1956, a development of 108 homes was built at the corner of Ross Road and East Meadow Drive, as announced in the San Mateo Times on June 6, 1956. The article announced that the homes would be priced in the $18,000 to $19,000 price range.

Mackay homes are examples of Modernist architecture that has come to be known as "California Modern". These homes typically feature glass walls, post-and-beam construction, enclosed patios, and open floor plans. The Mackay homes were designed by Anshen & Allen, the same architects who worked with Joseph Eichler. The homes were known for their wonderful light and use of outdoor living space. Mackay homes have raised foundations and forced air heating, unlike Eichler's slab foundations and radiant heating.

Details of the Home

• Updated “California Modernist” Mackay home with architecture by Anshen and Allen
• Ready to move in and enjoy today or an excellent opportunity for further transformation
• 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths on one level
• Approximately 1,641 square feet of living space
• Freshly painted, new flooring, updated windows, and beamed and paneled vaulted ceilings in very room 
• Gated, very private front courtyard, a signature of a Mackay home, finished with pavers, lush foliage, roses, and mature trees
• Double front doors which open to a foyer area
• Spacious living room with wall-to-wall transom window, sliding glass door to the rear yard, and floor-to-ceiling windows at each end of the room; a fireplace defines the room.
• Separating the main living area from the kitchen is a free-standing bank of vertical grain wood cabinetry with storage on both sides
• The cabinetry wraps around the kitchen in a U shape beneath a suspended bank of cabinets above a peninsula with counter seating; laminate finishes the counters and an expansive greenhouse window is positioned above the sink
• Appliances include a Jenn-Air electric cooktop, KitchenAid oven, Whirlpool dishwasher, and Whirlpool refrigerator
• A large casual dining area has sliding glass doors to the rear yard
• Primary bedroom suite has two closets, a double-sink vanity with makeup area, plus separate room with tiled shower and ribbon glass door 
• Two additional bedrooms are served by a bath with single-sink vanity and glass-enclosed tub with overhead shower
• The fourth bedroom is conveniently located off the kitchen and also ideal for a home office, if needed, and features an en suite half bathroom
• Other features: Whirlpool washer and dryer in the kitchen area; attached 2-car garage with outside entry via covered walkway in the courtyard; forced-air heating
• Spacious rear yard with synthetic lawn, paver stone patio, and perimeter gardens with lots of roses
• Lot size of approximately 8,276 square feet
• Proximity to Midtown Shopping Center, major Silicon Valley employers, commute routes, local parks (Ramos Park, Mitchell Park), Mitchell Park Library, community and recreation centers (YMCA, Eicher Swim & Tennis Club, Cubberly Community Center, and JCC Community Center)
• Acclaimed Palo Alto schools: Palo Verde Elementary, Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle, Gunn High (buyer to confirm)