Livermore Affordable Housing Project Moving Forward Despite Split

LIVERMORE, CA — A partnership to jointly develop 44 affordable housing units for individuals with special needs on the former Layton property on First Street has ended, but the project is expected to move forward without any material changes to the proposed concept, target residents or development timeline.

In a joint announcement Tuesday, Sunflower Hill and MidPen Housing said they are amicably ending their partnership and joint development of the property known as Sunflower Hill Livermore. The project was approved by the Livermore City Council in March 2017.

MidPen plans to retain the property and develop it as affordable housing with apartment homes for individuals with special needs, according to the announcement. The developer will work with the city of Livermore to secure the financing necessary for the project to begin construction in 2020, the announcement said.

Jan Lindenthal, chief real estate development officer for MidPen Housing, said her company looks forward to working with the city of Livermore and the Pulte Estate neighbors on the development. The Pulte Estates neighborhood is adjacent to the project, and MidPen has had a series of meetings with them to share concept ideas and solicit input, according to a MidPen spokeswoman.

The project site has historic significance: It was built by Robert Schenone, the grandson of Robert Livermore, and MidPen's Lindenthal said her organization intends to honor the legacy.

According to the announcement, Sunflower Hill will continue to identify opportunities to develop residential communities for individuals with special needs in the Tri-Valley — such as the Sunflower Hill community at Irby Ranch, which is currently under construction.

“We are grateful to all who supported the vision for Sunflower Hill Livermore,” said Edie Nehls, Sunflower Hill’s Executive Director. “We remain committed to developing housing opportunities and continue to work closely with our local cities, neighbors and community leaders in Contra Costa and Alameda counties.”