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Livermore officials and community members commemorated the kick off to construction of the downtown’s Blacksmith Square expansion with a groundbreaking ceremony last week.
The May 21 event was held next to the existing shops at Blacksmith Square at the corner of South Livermore Avenue and Railroad Avenue.
Dignitaries joining Blacksmith Square owner Mike Madden at the event included Mayor John Marchand, Vice Mayor Bob Carling, Councilmember Ben Barrientos, assistant city manager Paul Spence, Livermore Downtown Inc. Executive Director Ruby Lopez-Villareal and former mayor Bob Woerner.
“The groundbreaking marks another exciting chapter for Downtown Livermore,” said Lopez-Villarreal, according to a statement from organizers following the event. “The Blacksmith Square Expansion will continue to add vibrancy, providing a beautiful space for our community to gather and additional amenities to enjoy. The expansion is a thoughtful new development that complements and strengthens the historic preservation of our current buildings.”
She added, “We urge the community to continue to support the businesses of Blacksmith Square during construction, as they will remain open continuing to provide live music, food pop-ups, shopping, local beer and wine and of course the great environment you have grown to love!”
The existing retail shops in the space include Swirl on the Square, Tap 25, Prints & Pints and Sweet Hope Naturals. The expansion is set to bring approximately 13,000 square feet of additional retail and restaurant space adjacent to Stockmen’s Park, including a three-story building with a second-floor restaurant and rooftop dining. The area around the current shops will include an expanded outdoor courtyard and stage for live entertainment.
LDI officials said the existing shops in Blacksmith Square will remain open during construction, which is planned for completion by late summer 2025.
The historic building on the corner of Livermore and Railroad avenues will remain and serve as a design reference for the three new buildings, according to the city.
Red Bear, a Pleasanton-based development company founded by Michael and Joe Madden — the sons of the late NFL icon and businessman John Madden — is developing the project, which is part of the city’s Downtown Specific Plan and is a key component in the vision for a pedestrian friendly commercial and entertainment district, according to city officials.
“The City has been eagerly anticipating this groundbreaking for the expansion of Blacksmith Square” Marchand said. “This will be a wonderful addition to our award-winning downtown and will activate the area around Stockmen’s Park.”
