Livermore, CA
Year Listed: 2009
Livermore's historic downtown reflects the wine county heritage of the surrounding area, which makes it a year-round destination for residents and visitors.
Credit: Livermore Downtown, Inc.
Just 43 miles east of San Francisco, Livermore, California--in the heart of wine country--has become a destination in its own right. The slogan for Downtown Livermore: Live, Shop, Play, and Dine rings true as it boasts having 119 shops, 51 restaurants, and 20 arts and entertainment venues. Exciting annual festivals and regular events make visiting and living in Livermore a truly enjoyable experience. Tuesday Tunes starts the summer with free concerts in the plaza. The weekly farmers market brings family-friendly entertainment downtown, and the turnout is always strong for Thirsty Thursday—a monthly wine tasting that features local vineyards. More than 150,000 flock to downtown for the two-day Livermore Wine Country Festival, a celebration of all things local, from crafts to wine to olive oil.
Enter Main Street:
Tuesday's Tunes bring the community together in the fresh air to enjoy live music downtown in a family-friendly setting.
Credit: Livermore Downtown, Inc.
The pulse of downtown Livermore has not also been so strong, however. When Livermore Downtown, Inc., the local Main Street revitalization program, was formed in 1986, the historic business district was sagging. The stifling effects of suburban sprawl and a busy, four-lane highway that channeled speeding cars through downtown had taken a toll. The city recognized that this roadway was a detriment to foot traffic and an obstacle to revitalization. A $12.5 million roadway and public spaces improvements project transformed the highway into a moderate two-lane road that is lushly landscaped. A public plaza and space for outdoor dining further invites the community to park the car, enjoy the sights and stay for awhile.
Evidence of Livermore Downtown, Inc.'s revitalization success is plentiful. Special events, merchant promotions and volunteer participation have helped create a buzz downtown that thrives on the city's beauty, its agricultural heritage and rich wine-making tradition. Its eclectic selection of restaurants and retail shops keep residents and visitors alike interested on a year-round basis.
Revitalization By the Numbers
- Population: 79,000
- District Size: 54
- Year of Incorporation: 1986
- Businesses: 328
- Net New Jobs: 974
- Net New Businesses: 194
- Building Rehabs: 82
- New Buildings: 12
- Vacancy Rate: 9% (down from 26% when the program started)
- Public Investment: $55,000,000
- Private Investment: $112,000,000
If you go...
Tempted to add Livermore to your next Wine Country itinerary? Visit the website of Livermore Downtown, Inc. and their MySpace page to start planning.
Now it's your turn!
Already familiar with this Great American Main Street? Then share your personal impressions and favorite experiences there. What makes this place special to you?
Submitted by Jeff Eichenfield at: April 16, 2009
Hey congrats!!!! My first Main Street job was in Livermore. Note---program started in 1986 not 1996 thought. best.je