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.
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| February 1970 Argus ad—Masud Mehran’s “Homes for Young Americans” made their debut in the Sunset East neighborhood. |
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.
Selling the dream
Sunset’s ads promised “style for young families” and emphasized open kitchens, flexible floor plans, and affordability. 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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| September 1969 Daily Review newspaper clipping—an artist’s rendering of the Torino model from Sunset’s Young Americans Series. |
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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.
Today, Sunset East remains one of Livermore’s most architecturally diverse and historically rich suburban neighborhoods. The original brick entry signs, still standing, quietly echo a time when bold ideas met practical design—and when homeownership became a dream within reach.
The original Young Americans models and sales materials
When Sunset Homes introduced the Young Americans Series in 1969, prospective buyers encountered the community through its model homes. The models showcased the different designs, floor plans, and lifestyles the builder was offering to buyers in Livermore.
The original model homes provide a way to revisit that introduction. The guide below shows where Sunset Homes' models were located, preserves the original sales material where available, and explores the designs the builder offered to prospective buyers when the community was new.
Original model home complex
When the Young Americans Series opened, buyers toured a carefully staged collection of Sunset model homes showcasing the neighborhood’s mix of architecture, indoor-outdoor living, and family-oriented floor plans. Though individual elevations varied, these original models helped define much of the neighborhood’s visual identity.
The four original models opened in 1969 on Belfast Court, directly across from the earlier 600 Series model homes on Vancouver Way.
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| Annotated aerial map of the Young Americans model home complex on Belfast Court. Base imagery from Apple Maps. |
Original advertised prices
- 1969: From $23,950
- 1970: From $23,950
Original model home designs
1. The Licata - This model offered approximately 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
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| The original Licata model today (with addition) via Google Street View. |
2. The Palermo - This model offered 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
The Palermo model was camera shy, for now.
3. The Torino - This model offered approximately 1,419 square feet with up to 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
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| The original Torino model today via Google Street View. |
4. The Sorento - This model offered approximately 1,436 square feet with up to 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
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| The original Sorento model today via Google Street View. |
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