Photos

Originally incorporated in 1902, Mountain View has undergone rapid development in recent years due to lowered construction costs and the influence of Google moving in, said Robert Cox, vice chair of the Old Mountain View Neighborhood Association. Much of the development has been along Castro Street, the main street of downtown Old Mountain View, he said.

"We broke a landmark recently; we now have over 100 restaurants," said Cox, a resident of Old Mountain View since 2009. The growth can sometimes lead to controversy, though, he said.

In 2009, Prometheus -- a real estate construction company -- attempted to build roughly 200 units in an area that was previously zoned for only 100 units. Upset by the efforts of Prometheus, concerned residents turned to the Old Mountain View Neighborhood Association to have their voices heard.

"We had five times more people than at a regular meeting," Cox said about the election that took place that year. In one night, new members won seven of the eight available seats on the association board.

"I hope it doesn't lose its soul," Cox said, commenting on recent growth.

Historic houses mix with new units, and many of the streets preserve the original trees.
Cox said the neighborhood has a commitment to the environment. "People have a strong commitment to preserving our heritage trees. They aren't so quick to chop them down."

Like other neighborhoods, Old Mountain View has an online mailing list in which neighbors can communicate. Two current Mountain View council members live in Old Mountain View and participate in the discussion, raising political awareness throughout, Cox said.

Mary Heeney has been in and out of Old Mountain View since 1992. "It's kind of a funny story," she said. Heeney moved to the western side of Shoreline in 1996, and would eventually sail around from San Francisco to New Zealand for three years, from 2003 to 2006 with her two children. In 2007 they moved back to Old Mountain View, this time on the eastern side of Shoreline. "We were now in Old Mountain View proper," Heeney said.

After traveling the world, what kept her coming back to Mountain View, though? "You can't raise children on an island, as nice as it may be," Heeney said.

Originally from the Midwest, Heeney was looking for a sense of community again. "The hometown rituals, knowing your neighbors, all those things I grew up with I also found in Old Mountain View," she said.

In the years she was absent, she said Old Mountain View has gotten better. "It used to be a bit scruffier," she said, mentioning a few old motels that no longer exist.

Heeney said she likes how close everyone is because it's good for her children. Now teenagers, she trusts the neighbors in her area to also contribute to their upbringing. "I feel absolutely comfortable when they go to downtown Mountain View, it's a great feeling," she said.

The neighbors are a variety of new and old residents, Heeney said, and from all over the world. "We have a new neighbor who has moved in from Australia," she said.

"I really do see us growing old here," Heeney said.

-- David Ruiz

FACTS
CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS: YMCA Kids' Place at Landels School, 115 W. Dana St.
FIRE STATION: No. 1, 251 S. Shoreline Blvd.
LOCATION: bounded by El Camino Real, Shoreline Boulevard, Evelyn Avenue and Highways 87/237
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Old Mountain View Neighborhood Association, David Lewis, chair@omvna.org
PARKS: Dana Park, West Dana Street at Oak Street; Eagle Park & Pool, S. Shoreline Boulevard at Church Street; Pioneer Park, Church and Castro streets; Mercy-Bush Park, Mercy and Bush streets; Fairmont Park, Fairmont Avenue and Bush Street; Landels Park, West Dana Street near Calderon Avenue
POST OFFICE: Mountain View, 211 Hope St.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Mtn. View-Whisman School District -- Landels Elementary School, Graham Middle School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High School District -- Mountain View High School
SHOPPING: Downtown Mountain View, Grant Park Plaza
MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $1,032,000 ($690,000-$1,495,000)
HOMES SOLD: 38
MEDIAN 2012 CONDO PRICE: $750,500 ($489,000-$1,015,000)
CONDOS SOLD: 14

Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.