Published July 25, 2025
In September 1969, Sunset Homes launched a bold new idea: homes built specifically for younger buyers who didn’t want to compromise on style or quality. These new homes—part of what would become known as the Young Americans Series—were smartly priced, a little smaller than their predecessors, but full of thoughtful design and forward-thinking flair.
Where the Young Americans homes were built
The Young Americans homes were built exclusively within the Sunset East neighborhood in Livermore, mostly concentrated along Vancouver Way, Hudson Way, and De Leon Way.
These homes represented the second major phase of building within Sunset East, a neighborhood that would eventually include more than 1,000 homes.
The Young Americans Series homes and architectural style
When Sunset Homes introduced the Young Americans Series in 1969, prospective buyers encountered the series through its model homes. The models showcased the different designs, floor plans, and lifestyles the builder was offering to buyers in Livermore.
The Sunset East Young Americans Series home designs
The original model homes provide a useful cross-section of the Young Americans Series' architecture. Sunset Homes selected four models for the 1969 opening on Belfast Court. Although buyers could choose among different elevations and options, these models document the versions Sunset chose to put on display.
The Licata
This design offered approximately 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
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| Present-day view of the home that served as Sunset Homes’ 1969 Licata model (with addition) in Sunset East. Imagery from Google Street View. |
The Palermo
This design offered 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
The Palermo model was camera shy, for now.
The Torino
This design offered approximately 1,419 square feet with up to 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
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| September 1969 Daily Review newspaper clipping—an artist’s rendering of the Torino model from Sunset’s Young Americans Series. |
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| Present-day view of the home that served as Sunset Homes’ 1969 Torino model in Sunset East. Imagery from Google Street View. |
The Sorento
This design offered approximately 1,436 square feet with up to 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
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| Present-day view of the home that served as Sunset Homes’ 1969 Sorento model in Sunset East. Imagery from Google Street View. |
Marketing the Sunset East Young Americans Series
Sunset’s ads promised “style for young families” and emphasized open kitchens, flexible floor plans, and affordability.
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| February 1970 Argus ad—Masud Mehran’s “Homes for Young Americans” made their debut in the Sunset East neighborhood. |
While the series debuted under the broader Sunset East brand, it was internally known as the 700 Series, distinguishing it from the earlier 600 Series model homes on display just a block away.
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| May 1970 Contra Costa Times newspaper clipping—the Licata model from Sunset’s Young Americans Series in Sunset East. |
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| May 1970 Oakland Tribune ad—when the Palermo model went up for sale, and for a discount. |
Legacy of the Young Americans Series
By late 1970, Sunset had sold off its remaining 700 Series models. The company would continue building in Sunset East, introducing additional home series in the years that followed. But the Young Americans Series stood out—not just for its fresh approach, but for the confidence it gave to a new generation of homebuyers.
Collection
Livermore — the making of a suburban city
Continue exploring
- Sunset East 600 Series by Sunset Homes — 1968 Livermore homes
- Wildwood by Sunset Homes — 1970 Livermore homes
- Sunset Homes — how one builder transformed Livermore
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