Joint Special Council/BFPD
03/17/26 06:00:PM
Kenneth D Chapa
Doc ID: 6332
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEM
AGENDA MATTER:
APPROVAL OF SECOND AMENDMENT TO LEASE AGREEMENT WITH PERATON, INC. FOR THE
NASA GOLDSTONE VISITOR CENTER AT THE HARVEY HOUSE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On October 1, 2022, the City entered into a lease agreement with Peraton, Inc. to operate the NASA Goldstone Visitor Center within the Harvey House. The facility serves as an educational and tourism attraction featuring exhibits related to NASA’s Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex, including the “Science on a Sphere” interactive display.
Due to recent federal funding reductions affecting NASA and its affiliated organizations, Peraton has indicated that continued occupancy at the existing rental rate may no longer be financially sustainable. To retain this nationally recognized attraction and maintain activation of the Harvey House, staff negotiated a proposed amendment to the lease that would convert the agreement to a $1-per-year public-benefit lease beginning April 1, 2026 and concluding on April 1, 2031.
Approval of the amendment will allow the Visitor Center to remain operational while continuing to provide significant educational, tourism, and economic benefits to the City of Barstow.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed Second Amendment to the Lease Agreement modifies several key provisions:
LEASE TERM:
Extends the lease from April 1, 2026 through April 1, 2031. Allows either party to terminate the agreement with 90 days’ written notice. Provides the option for a future five-year extension by mutual agreement.
LEASE STRUCTURE:
Beginning April 1, 2026: rent will be $1 annually as a public-benefit lease.
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
The amendment maintains existing insurance provisions, including:
o Commercial general liability coverage naming the city as additional insured; o Property coverage naming the city as loss payee; and
o Requirement for 90 days’ notice before cancellation or reduction in coverage.
The NASA Goldstone Visitor Center provides significant community and regional benefits, including:
Joint Special Council/BFPD
03/17/26 06:00:PM
Kenneth D Chapa
Doc ID: 6332
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEM
Educational programming related to NASA missions and deep space communications Attraction of visitors to the historic Harvey House
Increased tourism and downtown economic activity
Workforce development and STEM learning opportunities Activation of a prominent City-owned historic facility Loss of the tenant would result in reduced visitor activity and vacancy within the Harvey House.
Establishing a public-benefit lease helps ensure the continued operation of this nationally recognized educational attraction while maintaining City control of the facility.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approval of the amendment will reduce lease revenue from approximately $40,017 annually to $1 per year beginning April 1, 2026.
However, maintaining the Tenants presence provides public benefits to the Barstow Community including indirect economic and tourism activity generated by the Visitor Center as well as a high profile educational exhibits that attract students from around the state. In addition, maintaining an active tenant avoids the costs and uncertainty associated with marketing and leasing the space to a new occupant.
No additional General Fund appropriation is requested.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1. The City Council approve the Second Amendment to the Lease Agreement with Peraton, Inc. for the NASA Goldstone Visitor Center at the Harvey House; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all required documentation and agreements.