Town Square — tract homes in Livermore (1964)

In the early 1960s, Santa Barbara builder H.C. Elliott landed in Livermore with a vision—and a bulldozer. Where others saw a shuttered airport, Elliott saw a village waiting to happen. Not just streets and houses, but a whole community: parks, schools, shopping, and homes priced so attractively, first-time buyers felt like they'd hit the jackpot. The result was Town Square—a master-planned neighborhood for the every-family dream.

Elliott crafted a neighborhood built for modern life—functional, attractive, and comfortably within reach. And when Town Square held its grand opening on June 21, 1964, families lined up to see the promise of a better life, wrapped in stucco and asphalt shingles. Prices started at $14,950, which meant you could actually afford to live near a new freeway and still have a backyard for the dog.

Vintage 1964 newspaper ad from the Oakland Tribune promoting the grand opening of Town Square homes in Livermore, featuring illustrations of mid-century modern houses with clean lines, bright interiors, and all-electric kitchens designed for modern living.
From a 1964 Oakland Tribune–now open: homes with gleaming hardwood floors and the all-electric kitchen of your mid-century dreams. Clean lines, bright spaces, and outlets everywhere—because the future runs on appliances.

Where is Town Square in Livermore?

Annotated aerial map showing the boundaries of the Town Square, Town Square North, Somerset South, and Somerset West neighborhoods in Livermore.
Annotated aerial map of the Town Square neighborhood in Livermore, California. H. C. Elliott would continue to build in the adjoining Somerset neighborhoods. Base imagery from Google Maps.

Selling the tract

Elliott’s goal was clear: to offer realistically priced new homes that could comfortably fit any-sized family.

Affordability didn’t mean sacrificing style. Inside, walnut wall paneling added warmth and richness, while unique baluster room dividers brought a touch of airy elegance—separating spaces without closing them off. Some homes even included walk-in closets and sunken living rooms.

1964 Oakland Tribune newspaper ad showcasing a flagship model home from Livermore’s Town Square development—an elegantly designed, spacious single-story house with large front windows and a prominent entryway, symbolizing affordable luxury for mid-century families.
From a 1964 Oakland Tribune–the crown jewel of Town Square—a smartly designed, spacious home that proved big didn’t have to mean out of reach.

Vintage photo of the Catalina model at Town Square, Livermore, from a 1966 Oakland Tribune ad. To fully appreciate its design, one had to see it with the original garage door, a key feature that complemented the home’s mid-century charm.
From a 1966 Oakland Tribune–a photo of the Catalina model with original garage door.

1964 Oakland Tribune ad featuring a mid-century modern living room in a Town Square home, highlighting decorative wooden baluster room dividers that separate the living and dining areas while maintaining an open, airy layout with warm paneling and clean lines.
From a 1964 Oakland Tribune–mid-century cool meets everyday charm—Elliott’s signature wood balusters brought style and subtle separation to Town Square living rooms.

Pricing history of Town Square homes

  • 1964: $14,950 - $21,950
  • 1965: $14,950 - $20,900
  • 1966: $15,725 - $23,950
  • 1967: $18,200 +

The homes of Town Square

Opened in June 1964, 6 model homes were shown on Cayuga Drive, near Pine and Rincon. With models being added or retired through 1967, up to 10 floor plans were built in Town Square.

Map showing the location of the Town Square neighborhood in Livermore, California, with markers highlighting Cayuga Drive near Pine and Rincon where the original model homes were located.
Annotated aerial map of the Town Square model home complex on Cayuga Drive. Base imagery from Google Maps.

Model homes of Town Square

1. The Monterey - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,296 - 1,333 sq. ft.

2. The Plan 2 - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,144 sq. ft.

3. The Arcadian - 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 910+ sq. ft. Often tucked onto corner lots with garages at an angle.

4. The Plan 4 - 4 or 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1,572 sq. ft. Retired by 1966.

5. The Newporter - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,282 sq. ft.

6. The Plan 6 - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,697 sq. ft.

7. The Jamaica - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,559 sq. ft.

8. The Catalina - 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1,800 sq. ft. Added in February 1966.

9. The Danville - 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1,700 sq. ft. Added in April 1966.

10. The Barcelona - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,588 sq. ft. Added in February 1966.

Current appearance of the original Monterey home in Livermore's Town Square.
Original Monterey model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Plan 2 home in Livermore's Town Square.
Original Plan 2 model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Arcadian home in Livermore's Town Square.
Original Arcadian model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Plan 4 home in Livermore's Town Square.
Original Plan 4 model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Newporter home in Livermore's Town Square.
Original Newporter model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Plan 6 home in Livermore's Town Square.
Original Plan 6 model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Jamaica home in Livermore's Town Square.
Original Jamaica model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Catalina home in Livermore's Town Square.
Original Catalina model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of the original Danville home in Livermore's Town Square.
Original Danville model today via Google Street View.

Current appearance of a Barcelona home in Livermore's Town Square.
A Barcelona home (not original model) via Google Street View.

Legacy of Town Square

Town Square wasn’t just another subdivision—it was proof that first-time homebuyers didn’t have to settle. Style, comfort, and a proper address were suddenly within reach. The homes were modest but smartly designed, and the prices stayed grounded even as aspirations soared. From that dream, a real village took shape—leafy streets, schools, neighbors, and a sense of arrival.

By the end of 1967, all 412 homes were complete. And with a successful track record—even in an era of tight money—H.C. Elliott turned his sights to the next chapter, across the old airport runway.

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