The First Street streetscape project was the keystone capital improvement project recommended as part of the Livermore Downtown Specific Plan. The design incorporates elements of Livermore’s winery, working ranch, and garden character into an integrated downtown streetscape composition in order to transform a state highway into a special pedestrian street with outdoor eating, increased amenities, and a town green at its historic crossroads.

Before

The existing wide street section and heavy through-traffic discouraged pedestrian-oriented activity.

• 1/3-mile long, 4 lane street with parallel parking within a 93’ state highway right-ofway
• A truck route with heavy through traffic

Assignment

• Transform an oversized state highway into an amenity rich, Downtown Main Street
• Create a pedestrian friendly streetscape environment appropriate to support a revitalized downtown economy
• Set the stage for a revitalized downtown core that functions as an arts and entertainment district and creates an improved setting for out door dining and special community events.

Outcomes

• Construction completed March 2006, on time and under budget
• Livermore’s new Downtown already generated considerable excitement. With the promise pedestrian friendly streetscape significant new investment planned and under construction, including housing, new shops and restaurants, a regional theater, and a high profile mulit-screen movie theater.
• The project has been recognized with a 2007 Award of Excellence from the California Redevelopment Agency under the Public Space and Linkages Category.

In collaboration with:

Livermore Engineering, SFE Landscape Architects, Zeiger Engineers, Kahn Design Associates