Livermore and Pleasanton hit home runs on their border

The cities of Livermore and Pleasanton have hit economic home runs with the retail developments on their border along Interstate 580. That stands in sharp contrast to the woes that retailers have been facing across the country—particularly in older enclosed malls and strip malls.

The San Francisco Bay Premium Outlets anchor the Livermore side and is a regional magnet for upscale shoppers seeking a bargain. There’s 176 stores that draw more than 7 million visitors annually. Buses routinely bring Asian tourists from San Francisco.

On the Pleasanton side, there’s two auto dealerships, the large Stoneridge Creek retirement community and the 112,000-square-foot Pacific Pearl Asian-themed shopping center that is 90 percent leased.

The next development on the Livermore side is Republic Square, 22 acres that will provide a mixture of uses. It will include two hotels—a 112-room Marriott Residence Inn and a 104-room Homewood Suites. Both will be welcome for business travelers to the Tri-Valley who struggle to find a room during the business week, although construction will start this year and occupancy is expected in 2020.

Republic Square will feature 65,000 square feet of restaurants and shops that has been 40 percent preleased according to the developer. The mix of uses will complement the outlet with a choice of restaurants and entertainment options. Ground breaking will be this summer.

The Shoppes at Livermore is under construction and will add another 125,000-square-feet of space focused on discount retailers.

That’s lots of sales tax generation and cash going to the cities with virtually no impact on any neighborhoods. The Livermore side is isolated by the Las Positas Golf Course, while most of the shoppers come right off I-580 and do not travel through either community—all bets are off in the crazy days around Thanksgiving and during the holiday shopping season.

The situation is similar on the Dublin side where the Fallon Gateway center thrives with a mix of retailers that include big boxes (Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods) as well as restaurants and smaller shops. Minimal, if any impact on neighborhoods.