Sunsetown: the story of Sunset Homes in Livermore

Sunsetown, one of Livermore’s most iconic and expansive neighborhoods, is the lasting legacy of Masud Mehran and the Sunset Development Company. With more than 3,500 homes and over 12,000 residents, this master-planned community evolved over nearly two decades—from its modest beginnings in 1958 to its final homes in 1977. Mehran arrived in Livermore in 1951 with a $7,000 loan and a vision, building just five homes that would spark one of the city’s most ambitious developments.

Map of Sunsetown in Livermore, California.

A disjoined part of Sunsetown, The Meadows, off Portola Avenue.

From ranchland to neighborhood

By the late 1950s, Mehran was ready for a larger canvas. In 1958, he acquired 506 acres along Livermore’s southern and western edges, a tract of land with deep historical roots that he named Granada Village. The property had once been part of Rancho Valle de San Jose and was associated with early figures like Joseph F. Black and Dennis Bernal—the latter known for donating Livermore’s famous Centennial Light.

Historic map of Livermore in 1878. The road to San Jose connects to Arroyo Road in downtown Livermore. 

Mehran’s plan wasn’t just about homes. He envisioned an entire community: schools, shopping, recreation—all woven into one cohesive neighborhood. The first homes opened along Holmes Street in late 1958, with Sunset building and outside sales agencies like Argo Sales and Suburban Sales handling early transactions. By 1961, "Sunset Homes" became the brand for a new line of houses—and a new era began.

Sunset Homes had an exhibit at the Alameda County Fair, from July 5, 1960.

Granada Village gains momentum

Granada Village quickly gained traction. Despite its distance from the core Bay Area and the absence of a completed I-580, Livermore offered assets other suburban communities lacked: a walkable downtown, proximity to the growing Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, and affordable yet stylish homes. Mehran’s ability to sell not just houses, but a lifestyle, paid off. By 1962, Granada Village had over 1,000 families and its own schools and swim club. The Urban Land Institute even named it "an ideal American community."

Livermore in 1961 with Sunset neighborhoods on Verona Ave., Elaine Ave., and El Caminito. Livermore increased its size by 1/3 after annexing the neighborhood in the late 50s. The road to San Jose, originally from Arroyo/South L, was rerouted to Holmes Street, with its awkward sharp turns.

An ad for Granada Village from September 30, 1962.

Show homes and the selling dream

The grand entrance to the community was marked by the first Sunset Homes show home complex on Grace Street, featuring stunning models like the Del Rio, Palm Beach, and Escondido, complete with fountains and beautifully landscaped grounds.

An ad for the 1962 line of model Sunset homes from December 10, 1961.

In February 1964, a new show home complex opened on Camellia Drive, showcasing five new models.

An early grand opening of show homes from February 9, 1964.

Just over a year later, in July 1965, a larger model home complex opened at 797 Catalina Drive, introducing a new array of designs called the castillos. Mehan's penchant for innovation really started to shine in this complex.

From a July 1965 Oakland Tribune—a grand opening ad that features a euphonium, symbolizing celebration and fanfare as Sunset’s newest homes hit the market.

Mehran introduced a fancy visitors center to welcome potential buyers.

From a March 1968 Oakland Tribune—Sunset’s sleek visitors center wowed buyers—until it went on the market itself. Listed “as-is,” no one bit. It was torn down soon after.

The innovation continued with the release of the tri-level Castillo Marques in May 1966, which set a record for Sunset Homes with 62 sales in a single month. The lineup expanded further until nine "castillos" were available.

From a June 1966 Oakland Tribune ad—the Castillo Marques was the star of Sunset’s boldest lineup yet—part of a series so popular, it helped break company sales records in 1966.

Granada Woods: elegance for executives

In 1963, Sunset set its sights on elegance with the debut of Granada Woods, a new enclave nestled within Granada Village. Inspired by the stately charm of San Francisco’s St. Francis Woods, Granada Woods was Sunset’s answer to upscale suburban living—designed with local Lawrence Livermore Lab executives in mind.

This exclusive, walled neighborhood featured just 65 lots, each a generous quarter to third of an acre. Two grand entrances welcomed visitors with matching water fountains, and underground utilities kept the sky free of wires. Wide landscaped medians and a promise of custom-built homes added to its curb appeal.

Sunset unveiled its first model home in 1963 with hopes of drawing eager buyers. But interest was lukewarm. A year later, in 1964, they doubled down, opening four new models to generate fresh excitement. Still, the takers were few.

Eventually, Granada Woods filled in—lot by lot—with custom homes, each a quiet testament to the original vision. Though it took time, Sunset's dream neighborhood found its place in Livermore’s suburban story.

An ad for a model in Granada Woods from October 1964.

Sunset expands east and south

Having built out the original Granada Village, Mehran expanded again. In 1964, he purchased two large parcels, one east of Holmes Street, and another south of Concannon Boulevard. These became Sunset East and Sunset South, dramatically increasing the scale of the development. Sunset East was first to open in 1968 with nearly 1,000 home sites and two model complexes, including the innovative Sunset East (600) series that featured bold kitchen designs, tri-level layouts, and even 3-car garages.

Livermore in 1968 with Granada Village built out and Sunset East and Sunset South under construction. Sunset soften the curves on Holmes Street to San Jose. Hofmann's Carlton Square is building west of Granada Village.

Sunset East model homes

One could argue that some of Sunset's most-interesting architectural designs are in Sunset East. A model complex opened on Vancouver Way, and homes were named after their kitchens. Two models even had a 3-car garage.

Grand opening ad from February 25, 1968.

Dramatic tri-level Design 600 on Vancouver Way.

Among the standout innovations was the “Kitchen in the Round,” designed by Ken Gooch. It became an instant hit, helping Sunset sell nearly a million dollars’ worth of homes in just 40 days.

Grand opening of Sunset East from March 24, 1968.

In a 40-day period from August to the first week of September 1968, Sunset sold nearly a million dollars worth of homes. Buyers just couldn't get enough of them.

Young Americans model homes

In 1969, Sunset opened its 6th series of show homes, the Young Americans series, to accompany its 5th set. Just across the street from the Vancouver Way model complex, Sunset now offered 12 different floor plans in the Sunset East neighborhood.

Sunsetown emerges

As Sunset Homes grew outside the original Granada Village, that name fell out of favor and was replaced by the term "Sunsetown" in 1970. The proud Mehran planted a sign that read "Sunsetown, growing beautifully population 12,500." Ironically, this sign entered pop-culture in the 1985 hit from Insane Clown Posse, "Let's Go All The Way."

Insane Clown Posse's "Let's Go All The Way" video, featuring the Sunsetown-inspired sign.

While the Sunset East neighborhood was still actively building, the Sunset South area was carved into three new neighborhoods of estate-sized lots: Whispering Pines, Three Fountains, and Shadowbrook.

Whispering Pines was first to open with 220 lots on 10,000+ sq. ft. sites. Familiar street names in Whispering Pines include Lomitas Avenue, Stonebridge Road, and Lexington Way. Although lots started being graded in mid-1967, home building didn't commence until 1969. The northern portion of the tract opened first and offered stunning views. A scattering of homes from the Sunset East series would be built, with empty lots being filled by later series of homes. The southern portion of the tract opened in 1972, and the entire neighborhood sold out in 1973.

What south Livermore used to look like. The southern portion of Whispering Pines opened on May 7, 1972.

The second neighborhood to open in late 1971 was the Three Fountains neighborhood. Often called "the planets," familiar street names include Saturn Way, Orion Way, and Mars Road.

The hilly Shadowbrook neighborhood opened in 1973. Often called "the lakes," familiar street names include Superior Drive, Tahoe Drive, and Crater Road. In addition to 1/4 to 1/3 acre lots and exceptionally wide streets, Shadowbrook also set aside 42-acres as open-space (Ravenswood Park and Independence park).

The Meadows neighborhood, a disjointed section of Sunsetown built on the north side of town off North Livermore Avenue, opened in 1973. The Meadows offered home buyers convenient freeway access and striking views of the Livermore Valley.

A fresh approach to homebuilding

Between 1970 and 1971, Mehran launched four new lines of homes designed to appeal to a diverse range of buyers. What made this initiative truly groundbreaking was the flexibility it offered: buyers could select a home from any series and have it built in any available Sunsetown neighborhood. This innovative approach fostered a more inclusive community, breaking down barriers and blending residents from various economic backgrounds. In doing so, Mehran helped create a vibrant neighborhood that truly represented the spirit of unity and diversity.

First came the Wildwood series, which debuted on Asti Court in the Sunset East neighborhood. It featured spacious homes that catered to families seeking more room. 

Next came the Ivanhoe Villas on Cartier Drive for people who wanted affordable, low-maintenance townhouse living in a fine neighborhood. 

Then the Ripplebrook series on Heidelberg Drive, offering charming smaller homes for those looking for a cozier living space. 

Finally, the Quietwood series was introduced on Alden Lane in the new Three Fountains neighborhood, presenting mid-sized homes that struck a balance between Wildwood and Ripplebrook.

Slow growth and the final chapters

By the early 1970s, the rapid development pace began to raise concerns. Residents worried about losing the rural charm that had drawn them to Livermore. In 1972, voters passed a building moratorium. Mehran responded with characteristic optimism. His final neighborhood, Shadowbrook, featured lower density and more open space—an early nod to sustainable development. “Fewer homes mean higher values,” he reminded residents.

Winding down in style: the last model complexes

By the end of 1973, Sunset’s earlier neighborhoods—Sunset East, Three Fountains, and Whispering Pines—were rapidly approaching buildout. With only two major tracts left to develop—The Meadows in the north and Shadowbrook in the south—Sunset turned its attention to these final chapters of its Livermore project.

To make way for new designs, Sunset phased out its earlier home series in quick succession: the Quietwood and Ripplebrook series were both retired in late 1973, followed by the Wildwood series in mid-1974.

To support these last developments, Sunset unveiled two new model home complexes—each named after its respective neighborhood and located right where the homes would be built.

In 1973, the Meadows model complex opened on Cromwell Street, showcasing updated and entirely new home designs tailored to this scenic, hillside neighborhood in north Livermore.

An ad for The Meadows from April 4, 1976.

The following year, in 1974, Sunset debuted the Shadowbrook model complex on Superior Drive. The Shadowbrook series, which replaced the outgoing Wildwood line, featured more refined designs and larger lots—offering a premium feel while still rooted in Sunset’s signature style.

Grand opening of the Shadowbrook model complex from June 9, 1974.

Both neighborhoods would sell out by March 1977, thus concluding large-scale home building by Sunset Homes.

A lasting legacy

When Sunset Homes completed its work in 1977, nearly one-third of Livermore lived in a Sunset home. Masud Mehran, the man who started with a handful of houses and a big dream, left an indelible mark on the city. He and his son would go on to develop Bishop Ranch in San Ramon, but Sunsetown remains one of his most celebrated accomplishments.

Today, neighborhoods like Sunset West, Sunset East, The Meadows, and Shadowbrook continue to thrive. More than just homes, they represent a unique chapter in Livermore’s story—a time when vision, design, and community came together to create something truly enduring.

In a brief return, in 1978, Mehran's son filled an empty parcel on Via Del Paz and Desconsado Avenue with 21 homes called Sunset Oaks.

Sunset Homes model complexes

Sunset Granada Village 1961-1964
Sunset Granada Woods 1963-1965
Sunset 300 series ("Granada Village") 1964-1965
Sunset Granada Village Castillos 1965-1968
Sunset 600 Series ("Sunset East") 1968-1970
Sunset 700 Series ("Young Americans") 1969-1970
Sunset 800 Series ("Wildwood") 1970-1974
Sunset Ivanhoe Villas 1970-1971
Sunset 800 Series ("Ripplebrook") 1971-1973
Sunset 800 Series ("Quietwood") 1971-1973
Sunset 800 Series ("The Meadows") 1973-1976
Sunset 800 Series ("Shadowbrook") 1973-1977
Sunset Oaks 1978-1979