DANA RESERVE IS AN IMPORTANT NEW COMMUNITY
THAT FEELS RIGHT AT HOME IN HISTORIC NIPOMO.

William Goodwin Dana, along with wife Maria Josefa, originally settled in Nipomo in 1840, as part of a 38,000 acre land grant from then Governor of Mexico, Juan Alvarado. William Dana was an adventurer, an explorer, sea captain, navigator, husband and father. He was many things, but perhaps his most enduring quality was his sense of compassion, generosity, and hospitality as he frequently opened up his land and home to weary travelers passing through from the north or south who needed a safe haven, a place to stay and recharge, with food and shelter. They could stay as long as they wished, and he would host frequent fiestas, inviting friends, family and neighbors in order to lift their spirits. This wonderful legacy of adventure, opportunity and hospitality lives on with the creation of the Dana Reserve. The Tompkins family, which includes the great-great-grandson of William Dana, acquired nearly 288 acres of land which was once part of the original land grant.

Dana Reserve will be an enlightened, sustainable, walkable new community where a new generation of families can thrive and prosper. The development will have a significant and positive impact on San Luis Obispo County’s housing needs and give local homebuyers the historic opportunity to live in one of California’s original settlements.