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Private partner presents P3 concept to restore Truesdale Park building; board asks for visual plan and public input
Summary
A private group pitched a public–private partnership to renovate and operate the Truesdale Park building; the CRA board expressed interest in further study, requested visual materials and public outreach, and noted that the city commission would need to consider any agreement because the building is a city asset.
A private developer pitched a public–private partnership proposal to the CRA board to restore and operate the Truesdale Park building in Saint Andrews, offering to fund interior restoration and operations while the city would retain ownership.
Brenton Hitchcock described examples of similar projects—Milwaukee’s Lake Park Pavilion, San Francisco’s Beach Chalet and Presidio leases—where private operators renovated landmark buildings and paid rent while the public retained ownership and maintenance responsibility for certain elements. “The public keeps ownership, the private partner invests in restoration and operations, the city doesn't spend money on renovations or upkeep, the site becomes safer, busier and more vibrant,” Hitchcock said.
Board members welcomed the concept but asked for more detail, especially visual plans and neighborhood outreach. Several members noted that neighbors could object to increased activity, lighting or noise if a commercial use were placed inside a park and asked that any proposal address those concerns. Staff clarified the CRA has budgeted funds for Truesdale’s interior build-out but that a P3 could make those funds available for other projects if a private partner covers interior costs.
No action was taken. The board requested that the proposer assemble visual materials and a community engagement plan and indicated staff would bring the concept to the city commission for discussion because Truesdale is a city‑owned asset. Hitchcock and his partners said they could prepare renderings and study materials for upcoming commission and CRA discussions and aim for public engagement before any RFP or formal agreement.
The board indicated it would consider the idea alongside its existing Truesdale funding commitments and said any city-level approval would guide whether CRA funds should remain allocated to interior build-out.
