Livermore's The Expandables: 1969–1970 homes & subdivision history
The Expandables: homes designed to grow (1969–1970)
An adaptive approach to housing by Kaufman & Broad
On October 26, 1969, Kaufman & Broad unveiled their latest housing concept in Livermore: The Expandables. This subdivision was a direct response to the growing challenge of affordability for first-time homebuyers at the tail end of the 1960s. Rising home prices and tightening credit standards were making traditional homeownership increasingly out of reach, particularly for younger families. Kaufman & Broad, drawing on the success of a similar development in Huntington Beach, brought this innovative model to the Tri-Valley area.
A novel concept in residential development
Unlike conventional expandable homes of the era—which often featured unfinished attic or second-story spaces awaiting conversion—The Expandables were designed with future growth in mind, rather than unfinished space. Buyers could purchase a modest, single-story home at an accessible price point, with the option to expand their living space over time while maintaining architectural consistency.
Homes were priced starting at just $18,990—making them the most affordable new construction homes in Livermore at the time. In comparison, the adjacent Somerset Homes by H. C. Elliott started at $1,000 more and offered a more traditional expandable layout with partially finished interiors. The Expandables instead emphasized completed, livable space up front, with the ability to grow as family and financial circumstances evolved.
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| Grand opening advertisement – October 26, 1969 A vintage newspaper ad announcing the debut of The Expandables in Livermore. With the tagline, “Introducing your first and second home,” Kaufman & Broad emphasized the homes’ innovative design—affordable now, expandable later. The ad boldly declared: “It’s so new, it makes tomorrow sound old-fashioned.” |
Design and amenities
These were not bare-bones starter homes. Despite their modest footprints, the homes featured contemporary touches that belied their price. Vaulted cathedral ceilings, walk-in closets, airy patio kitchens, spacious bathrooms, and fireplaces were standard. All homes also came with a 5-year builder’s warranty—an unusual level of assurance for the era.
Layouts emphasized flexibility: most homes began with a large living area, a generously sized kitchen, and a private wing containing two or more bedrooms. Garage access was typically external—via a front-facing entry—freeing up interior floor space. The efficient layout and potential for long-term expansion appealed to a growing number of buyers priced out of traditional subdivisions.
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| "Stretch a buck" advertisement – February 22, 1970 In this follow-up advertisement, Kaufman & Broad promoted The Expandables with a focus on value and flexibility. The headline reads: “Kaufman & Broad invents a great new way to stretch a buck.” The ad includes a sample floor plan with illustrated cutouts, showing how additional rooms could be added later—highlighting the expandable concept that made these homes ideal for first-time buyers with long-term plans. |
Location, location, longevity
Kaufman & Broad pointed to location as one of the subdivision’s main draws. The site—bounded by East Jack London Boulevard (then still known as East Las Positas), Olivina Avenue, and Murrieta Boulevard—was carefully chosen for its long-term appeal. Proximity to downtown Livermore, strong local schools, emerging institutions like Las Positas College, and nearby parks and recreation reinforced the area’s promise. Kaufman & Broad believed people stayed longer in homes where the location still suited them over time, and they planned accordingly.
The Expandables were nestled between two H. C. Elliott developments—Somerset West and Somerset South (also containing Knuppe Garden Homes). Despite being a distinct development, The Expandables are often considered part of the larger “Somerset” area in local reference.
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| Map of "The Expandables" subdivision in Livermore (1969–1970) This tract map outlines the layout of Kaufman & Broad’s innovative Expandables homes, located between East Jack London Boulevard, Olivina Avenue, and Murrieta Boulevard. The model homes were originally located on Curlew Road. |
The homes of The Expandables
Six model homes were shown on a model home complex on Curlew Road and East Jack London Boulevard.
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| Model home complex at The Expandables (1969) A close-up map of the original model home site on Curlew Road at East Jack London Boulevard. Six model homes were showcased here, representing a range of expandable floor plans offered by Kaufman & Broad. |
Pricing history
- 1969: $18,990 +
- 1970: $19,990 - $26,990
Model homes
Square footage ranged widely due to the expandable nature of the designs, with homes as small as 1,120 sq. ft. and as large as 1,800+ sq. ft. The original models were:
1. The Plan 1 - 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom; 1,627 sq. ft.
2. The Plan 2 - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms; 1,265 sq. ft.
3. The Plan 3 - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms; 1,400 sq. ft.
4, The Plan 4 - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms; 1,750 sq. ft.
5. The Plan 5 - 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms; 1,802 sq. ft.
6. The Plan 6 - 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms; 1,450 sq. ft.
These plans reflected a broad range of living needs and budgets, and many homes were customized or expanded shortly after construction, making original configurations rare today.
The Expandables today
Here are the former model homes as they appear today.
The Plan 1 today
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| Former Plan 1 model home – Originally a 2-bedroom, 1-bath layout, this model showcased the simplest starting point in The Expandables line, designed for gradual expansion over time. |
The Plan 2 today
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| Former Plan 2 model home– A 3-bedroom, 2-bath model with 1,265 sq. ft., offering a compact design with potential to grow. This plan balanced affordability with functional living space. |
The Plan 3 today
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| Former Plan 3 model home– With 1,400 sq. ft., this 3-bedroom, 2-bath model emphasized open living spaces and flexibility, with an early expansion completed by many original owners. |
The Plan 4 today
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| Former Plan 4 model home – A 4-bedroom, 2-bath model totaling 1,750 sq. ft., designed for larger households or those planning for expansion soon after purchase. |
The Plan 5 today
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| Former Plan 5 model home – The largest model at 1,802 sq. ft., featuring 5 bedrooms and 2 baths, it showcased the full expansion potential of the subdivision’s concept. |
The Plan 6 today
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| Former Plan 6 model home – This 4-bedroom, 2-bath model (1,450 sq. ft.) offered a mid-range option for growing families, balancing initial affordability with ample living space. |
Sales and reception
The Expandables were an immediate success. A third of all homes were sold before the formal grand opening in October 1969. By May 1970—less than seven months later—the subdivision was largely built out, with only 15 homes remaining for sale. Prices had risen slightly by then, ranging from $19,990 to $26,990, depending on plan and lot size.
Legacy
Today, The Expandables stand as a testament to an era of housing experimentation and flexibility. In contrast to larger, more static mid-century developments, these homes offered adaptability without sacrificing design quality. For Livermore, they provided a gateway to homeownership for a new generation and exemplified a forward-thinking approach to suburban planning.
The remaining homes—many still recognizable from their original model layouts—reflect both the aspirations and constraints of the time, and offer a window into how developers responded to the economic pressures of the late 1960s housing market.
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