A new proposal to revitalize the downtown district in Tri-Valley city Livermore could see the neighborhood gain a new central plaza, theater, science museum, galleries, and even a hotel, according to an East Bay Times report.

To make the plan an even better deal, the Livermore Stockmen’s and Rodeo Association is offering to allow more houses to be built around town so that fewer are needed downtown. The trade-off? The livestock and rodeo group wants the central plaza and park to be named “Stockman” in recognition of Livermore’s long cattle ranching history. 

The Livermore Stockmen’s and Rodeo Association has a say in downtown planning because it once owned vacant land near City Hall. The property was later sold on the condition that it be reserved for public uses and not housing. The association is prepared to allow housing on the property if the deal goes through, which would enable Livermore to raise money to pay off the $14.5 million in housing fees required to buy land downtown.

With the larger plaza, Livermore could hold festivals and events as well as a space for visitors to relax. The artisan shops, art galleries, science museum, and 150-seat theater would be built around the plaza. The theater would be smaller than the existing Bankhead Theatre, which seats 500. 

The new downtown could make Livermore a tourist destination in the same conversation as wine country towns like Sonoma, Windsor, and Paso Robles. The Livermore Stockmen Association believes the plan celebrates the cultural heritage and rich history of Livermore, which has encompassed grape growing, technology startups, performing arts, and national laboratories.