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Livermore officials outline Blacksmith Square expansion, 452‑space parking garage and rooftop restaurant
Summary
Mayor John Marchand and Economic Development Director Brandon Cardwell detailed three downtown projects: a Blacksmith Square expansion (three new buildings, 13,000+ sq ft), the L Street parking garage adding 452 free spaces with ADA/EV/bike features, and a Farmers Union rooftop restaurant in a restored 1928 building, with openings slated this fall.
Mayor John Marchand and Brandon Cardwell, the city’s director of economic development, on Monday outlined several projects intended to expand downtown Livermore’s retail, dining and parking capacity, saying construction is underway and openings are slated for this fall.
"From a state of the art parking garage to new spaces for dining and entertainment, all these new developments are gonna enhance our community, attract visitors, and support local businesses," Cardwell said, summing up the city’s goals for the projects.
City officials said the Blacksmith Square expansion will add three new buildings that together provide more than 13,000 square feet of shopping and dining space. "The developer's bringing in 3 new buildings totaling over 13,000 square feet of new shopping and dining space," Cardwell said, adding that the second level will overlook Blacksmith Square and Stockman Park.
Cardwell gave specifics for parking in the downtown core: "We have the new L Street parking garage, which is gonna add 452 new free parking spaces right in the heart of Downtown Livermore." He said the garage will include ADA-accessible stalls, electric-vehicle charging and bike parking, and that an additional 40 surface spaces will be added next door. City officials said the L Street garage is under construction and is slated to be completed this fall.
Officials also described a private redevelopment called the Farmers Union project at the corner of South Livermore Avenue and Second Street, across from the post office. Cardwell said the project will be a farm-to-table restaurant offering house-smoked meats, a full bar and elevated outdoor dining, and that "the views of Downtown Livermore are gonna be unbelievable" from rooftop seating. Mayor Marchand noted the building has been in use since 1928 and said restorations preserved historic elements while adding new dining space.
City staff encouraged residents to continue supporting nearby businesses during construction and highlighted a parking app to help drivers find spaces before they leave home. Marchand closed by directing listeners to the city’s website for more information: "For more information, visit livermoreca.gov," he said.
No formal votes or council actions were recorded in the transcript; officials presented project scopes, timelines and amenities and encouraged public use of downtown once projects open.
