South of Seminary is geographically defined by Middlefield Road, Willow Road, Coleman Avenue and Santa Monica Avenue, and is bordered by modest homes and apartment buildings, with the new development of Vintage Oaks in the center.
Most homes were built in the 1940s and early 1950s. The neighborhood was named because of its proximity to St. Patrick’s Seminary, which was dedicated in l898 and once occupied 86 acres donated to the Catholic Church by Kate Johnson.
The neighborhood consists of one-story houses on small lots, with some apartments lining the edges along Coleman Avenue and Willow Road. There are sidewalks, but no curbs. And residents are walking distance to a small supermarket and Sunset Magazine and Books.
Residents say it’s a friendly neighborhood where people are welcoming. When neighbors get sick, word gets out and food magically appears. And neighbors gather every year for the Fourth of July and again in the fall for a block party on Nash Avenue.
Forty-six acres of this former pastoral retreat is now known as Vintage Oaks, and consists of 131 homes and 14 duet-style townhouses. The latter are reserved for people who work for the city, such as government officials and school teachers.
FACTS
CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOLS: Footsteps Preschool, 490 Willow Road, Menlo Park: The Roberts School, 641 Coleman Avenue, Menlo Park
FIRE STATION: 300 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park
LOCATION: Middlefield Road and Coleman Avenue; Willow Road to Ringwood Avenue and Arlington Way
PARK: Seminary Oaks Park, Santa Monica Avenue, near Middlefield Road, Menlo Park
PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Menlo Park Elementary School District — Laurel School, 95 Edge Road, Atherton; Encinal School, 195 Encinal Avenue, Menlo Park; Hillview Middle School, 1100 Elder Avenue, Menlo Park.
Sequoia Union High School District — Menlo Atherton High School, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton
SHOPPING: Downtown Menlo Park
CLICK HERE to view current South of Seminary/Vintage Oaks Listings