What made this subdivision of 356 homes (probably around 1,100 or 1,200 residents) different than its predecessors is that it came along as a planned tract community, the first phase occurring in the the late 1970s and early 1980s and the second in the 1986-87 boom period.
The earlier built homes, as part of a subdivision closer to Carbon Canyon Road called "The Ranch" and which were started in 1978, had many of the features that were considered advanced for the era: tri-level floor plans, conversation pits around the fireplace in the living room, and "popcorn" ceilings. While the latter has certainly become more than dated, there is something retro and cool about the conversation pits and the split level feature is also pretty great in terms of creating very defined spaces.
The later phase from the Eighties, called "Summit Trails" abandoned those features (an update: a visitor pointed out in her comment to this post that the conversation pits and split level layouts did, after all, continue with this phase), but, from what I understand some of the homes in these areas of the development suffered from foundation problems and soil slippage, as the construction of later phases took place in the higher, steeper elevations along the hillsides to the north.
Still, Summit Ranch, the name that linked the two separate tracts, is a highly desirable community, with twelve floor plans and variations within many of these and a significant attraction being the amenities, including swimming pools, a community clubhouse, tennis courts, parks and horse stables with trails that wind throughout the neighborhood. The cost for these and community landscaping are covered by association fees run $105 per month and there is an HOA and property management firm based in Chino Hills. In addition, there are some lots at the northern end of the tract that have sweeping views of the Chino and Pomona valleys, the San Gabriel Mountains and, looking southward, Carbon Canyon.
For those who are interested in more information about the community, a local realtor created a website: www.summitranchneighbors.com and there is also a site for the HOA/property management at: www.myhoa.com/carboncanyon.
Hi Paul! Summit Trails did not abandon those features. My parents bought their home in Summit Trails in 1986 and it did, indeed, include a conversation pit. Our neighbors across the street own a split-level model. I absolutely love the neighborhood where I grew up and enjoyed living in Carbon Canyon. It's history has always fascinated me and so little has been written, so I'm having tons of fun reading your blog!
ReplyDeleteHi Jenn in Vegas, that's good to know about the Summit Trails part of Summit Ranch. I'm going to go back and edit that part out. Meantime, I'm continuing to find out what I can about the Canyon's history, so check back from time-to-time. Tonight I just entered a post about the Olinda Oil Field in 1916. Thanks!
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