H. C. Elliott’s Town Square Series in Livermore (1964–1967): the village that landed

A historical tour of Town Square, Livermore (1964–1967)

Explore H.C. Elliott's Town Square Series in Livermore through vintage 1964–1967 newspaper ads and see what the original model homes look like today. Built in the Town Square neighborhood, the Town Square Series laid the groundwork for replacing an old airport with a new neighborhood. A curated archive for fans of 1960s–70s architecture, suburban design, and East Bay history.

Logo for the Town Square neighborhood in Livermore, featuring mid-century-style typography that evokes a 1960s suburban design aesthetic.

Welcome to Town Square, 1964–1967

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.

Map showing the location of the Town Square neighborhood in Livermore, California, with adjacent areas including the future Somerset neighborhoods where builder H.C. Elliott continued development.
Location of the Town Square neighborhood in Livermore, California. H. C. Elliott would continue to build in the adjoining Somerset neighborhoods.

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.

Homes that felt like a splurge, but came with a price tag that didn’t

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

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.

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 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.

The model 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.
Site of the Town Square model homes.

Pricing history

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

Model homes

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. Versatile and tidy, often tucked onto corner lots with garages at playful angles.

4. The Plan 4 - 4 or 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1,572 sq. ft. Ambitious but not terribly popular. Retired by 1966.

5. The Newporter - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,282 sq. ft. Cozy with room for comfort—and coffee on the porch.

6. The Plan 6 - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,697 sq. ft. Big families, this was your floor plan.

7. The Jamaica - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,559 sq. ft. A solid mid-size home with a little flair.

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

From a 1966 Oakland Tribune–to be appreciated, one had to see it with the original garage door.

9. The Danville - 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1,700 sq. ft. Arrived in April 1966, ready to impress.

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

Town Square today

Here's what the Town Square model homes look like in 2024.

The Monterey today

Color photo of the original Monterey model home in Town Square, Livermore, with stucco exterior, gable roof, and mature landscaping.
The original Monterey model today.

The Plan 2 today

Color photo of the original Plan 2 model home, a modest single-story house with clean lines and updated exterior details.
The original Plan 2 model today.

The Arcadian today

Color photo of the Arcadian model home, a small corner-lot residence, showcasing its compact and efficient footprint.
The original Arcadian model today.

The Plan 4 today

Color photo of the original Plan 4 model home, a rare surviving example with a wide front façade and visible multi-room layout.
The original Plan 4 model today.

The Newporter today

Color photo of the Newporter model home, featuring a small covered porch and cozy architectural styling.
The original Newporter model today.

The Plan 6 today

Color photo of the spacious Plan 6 model home, a four-bedroom layout with low-slung rooflines and driveway entry.
The original Plan 6 model today.

The Jamaica today

Color photo of the original Jamaica model, a mid-size home with clean mid-century details and a wide front lawn.
The original Jamaica model today.

The Catalina today

Color photo of the original Catalina model home, a two-story structure with large front-facing windows and a distinct 1960s aesthetic.
The original Catalina model today.

The Danville today

Color photo of the original Danville model home, a broad two-story design with generous front windows and updated exterior finishes.
The original Danville model today.

The Barcelona today

Color photo of a Barcelona model home in Town Square, showing a four-bedroom layout with modest front yard and shaded entry.
A Barcelona home (not original model).

A place to begin, and a place to belong

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.

Related post: H. C. Elliott's old Livermore airport

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