Town Square (Livermore, 1964)

Livermore > North Livermore > Town Square

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.

Selling the subdivision

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.

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.

Exploring the original Town Square today

Although the sales office is long gone and the advertisements have faded, the original Town Square model homes remain part of the neighborhood. These homes gave prospective buyers their first glimpse of H. C. Elliott's vision for suburban living in 1964.

Today, they provide a tangible connection to Town Square's earliest days. The guide below documents the original model home complex, the homes themselves, and how they appear today.

The original prices

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

The original model home complex

Town Square's ten original model homes were arranged on Cayuga Drive around a temporary sales complex that welcomed prospective buyers during the neighborhood's grand opening in June 1964. While the sales office disappeared long ago, the model homes remain, allowing visitors to trace the neighborhood's beginnings more than fifty years later.