Sunset Homes’ Young Americans Series in Livermore (1969–1970): smart & stylish homes for young buyers
A historical tour of the Sunset's Young Americans Series, Livermore (1969–1970)
Explore Sunset’s Young Americans Series through vintage 1969–1970 newspaper ads and see what the original model homes look like today. Built in Sunset East, the Young Americans homes were designed for younger buyers seeking smart and stylish designs—a curated archive for fans of 1960s–70s architecture, suburban design, and East Bay history.
Welcome to the Young Americans Series, 1969–1970
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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| From a February 1970 Argus ad—Masud Mehran’s “Homes for Young Americans” made their debut in Sunset East. |
The idea struck a chord. 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 later known as the 700 Series, distinguishing it from the earlier 600 Series models built just a block away.
Where they 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.
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| Sunset East included more than 1,000 homesites—Young Americans homes are clustered on Vancouver Way, Hudson Way, and De Leon Way. |
The model homes of the Young Americans Series (700 Series)
The model complex was located on Belfast Court, directly across from the earlier 600 Series model homes on Vancouver Way. There were four models in the 700 Series, each designed with young families, couples, and creative homeowners in mind. These weren’t just starter homes—they were canvases for a modern lifestyle.
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| Model homes for the Young Americans Series stood on Belfast Court—just across from the original 600 Series sales center. |
Pricing history
- 1969: $23,950 +
- 1970: $23,950 +
Model homes
1. The Licata - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Simple but never boring, the Licata blended efficient design with elegant detail.
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| From a May 1970 Contra Costa Times photo—the Licata model from Sunset’s Young Americans Series in Sunset East. |
2. The Palermo - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.
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| From a May 1970 Oakland Tribune ad—when the Palermo model went up for sale, and for a discount. |
3. The Torino - 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,419 sq. ft. Compact, clever, and endlessly livable. A floor plan designed for maximum flexibility.
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| From a September 1969 Daily Review—an artist’s rendering of the Torino model from Sunset’s Young Americans Series. |
4. The Sorento - 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,436 sq. ft. The Sorento offered options galore—ideal for the couple planning to grow, or just dreaming of a hobby room with shag carpet and built-in bookshelves.
Young Americans today
The Licata today
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| The original Licata model today (with addition). |
The Palermo
The Palermo model was camera shy.
The Torino today
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| The original Torino model today (with olive tree). |
The Sorento today
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| The original Sorento model today. |
The end of a chapter
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.
A lasting legacy
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.
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