Livermore CA Downtown Revitalization

The First Street streetscape project was the keystone capital improvement recommended as part of the Livermore Downtown Specific Plan. The design incorporates elements of Livermore’s winery, working ranch, and gardenesque character into an integrated downtown streetscape composition, transforming an oversized state highway into a pedestrian-friendly street with outdoor dining, increased amenities, and a town green at its historic crossroads.

The community expressed a desire to have a new local “downtown Main Street”. Freedman Tung and Bottomley (FTB) designed a pedestrian friendly streetscape environment that would also help to support a revitalized downtown economy. The new street includes shade trees and custom designed trellises in a flexible parking zone that can also be used for outdoor dining or special events. The project set the stage for a revitalized downtown core that functions as an arts and entertainment district while creating an improved setting for indoor and outdoor commercial and community activities. Construction was completed in March of 2006, on time and under budget. Livermore’s new Downtown has already generated considerable excitement. With the arrival of a more pedestrian-friendly streetscape, significant new investment is planned and under construction, including housing, new shops and restaurants, a regional arts theater, and a high-profile multi-screen cinema complex. The project has been recognized with a 2007 Award of Excellence from the California Redevelopment Agency under the Public Space and Linkages Category.

Collaborators: SFE Landscape Architects, Zeiger Engineers, Kahn Design Associates, Freedman Tung & Bottomley Urban Design (FTB)
Construction Cost: $12 million
Awards: 2007 California Redevelopment Agency Award of Excellence