Levitt Tri-Party Agreement
City Council | February 4, 2025
Presenters:
Jon Cicirelli, Director PRNS
Ed Bautista, Communications Manager, PRNS
Sharon Yazowski, President and CEO, Levitt Foundation
Fil Maresca, Board Chair, Friends of Levitt Pavilion San José History of St. James Park
1848: St. James Park established as a
7.6-acre space in Downtown San José.
1848-1990s: Site of significant civic
events, including speeches from
presidential candidates.
1990s-2000s: Increased social
challenges led to reduced community use.
2000s-Present Day: Residents do not
actively use St. James Park outside of
specifically planned activation efforts.
2 St. James Park Revitalization
Strategy
Approved by City Council in 2015
• Establish a sustainable funding model for
p
ark maintenance and activation.
• Develop a strong public- private partnership
for ongoing stewardship.
• Transform the park into a safe, vibrant, and
we
lcoming space.
• Coordinate efforts with the Levitt Pavilion
pr
oject to boost community impact.
o Levitt Pavilion is an important piece of the
par
k’s revitalization strategy.
3 St. James Park Master Plan (Capital Vision)
Began in 2017, approved by City Council in 2020
Why?
• To implement a r evitalization strategy
• Challenges: aging infrastructure, lack
o
f activation
• Goal: create a safe and vibrant urban
p
ark for all ages and abilities
Key Park Features:
• Levitt Pavilion
• Enhanced green space and play areas
• Public art and historic preservation
• Safety and accessibility improvements
4 2013: City Council approved exploring partnership with Levitt Foundation for a pavilion. 2015: City Council approved St. James Revitalization Strategy. 2016: City Council authorized support for Levitt Pavilion and moving forward with EIR. 2018: 25% design plans completed.
2020: City Council certified EIR and approved the St. James Park Master Plan. 2023: 65% design plans completed (delayed due to the pandemic). 2024: City Council approved an amendment with CMG to get 100% design plans.
Current: 90% design plans in review.
2025: (TODAY) City Council asked to approve Tri-Party Agreement. 2026: 100% design plans expected to be finalized by Q1 2026.
Project Timeline and Key Milestones
5 San José Levitt Pavilion
What is a Levitt Pavilion?
• National nonprofit model for free, high-quality
out
door concerts
• Success in other cities (examples: Los Angeles,
A
rlington, Denver, Bethlehem)
Why does it matter for San José?
• Brings new c ultural and economic benefits
• Increases park use and activation – new amenity
• Advances equity and access through free live music
6 "Levitt Arlington is a vital landmark on our city’s cultural and entertainment landscape, enriching the array of amenities available to residents, attracting out-of-town visitors, and serving as both a cornerstone and a catalyst for economic growth, especially in downtown Arlington. Levitt guests and artists contribute to our local economy by dining at Arlington restaurants, booking rooms at Arlington hotels, and exploring our city’s attractions as part of their Levitt experience. The momentum and vibrancy of downtown Arlington would not be the same without the Levitt."
Trey Yelverton, City Manager
City of Arlington
Tri-Party Agreement
Key Partners
National Levitt Foundation
• Established in 1963 to support arts, culture, and
e
ducation.
• Funds and supports free outdoor music venues across
t
he U.S.
Levitt Pavilion San José (FLPSJ)
• Local nonprofit formed to bring a Levitt Pavilion to St.
J
ames Park.
o Raise funds for construction
o Support pavilion operations
o Provide free public concerts
7 • National network of outdoor venues and
c
oncert sites
• Underused public spaces - > thriving
community destinations
• Significant social impact and economic
im
pact
• Consistent programming
• High-caliber entertainment featuring
ar
ray of music genres
• Shared prosperity through lawn
ac
tivation
• Levitt model is long-term funding
• Ongoing support resources, trainings,
peer
learning
Building Community
Through Music
8 Friends of Levitt Pavilion San José
Concert Series Fundraising 2022-2024
9 Friends of Levitt Pavilion San José 2025-2027
10 • ~ $20M total cost, built as a Public Works project, Phase 1 of Master Plan.
• $15M from City developer fees dedicated to this project. • FLPSJ will raise at least $5M for construction.
• Levitt Foundation pledged $1.1M for operations and
programming over first five years.
• Rare project with significant partner funding.
Operations and Community Impact:
• Shared operations and maintenance through 2041.
• FLPSJ manages venue for an initial 5-year term, with up to three 5-year extensions.
• 50+ free concerts annually, enhancing Downtown vibrancy. • FLPSJ will make the venue available for community use beyond Levitt events.
Tri-Party Agreement Highlights
Approval unlocks critical project funding.
Funding and Fundraising:
11 Questions?
12