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San Jose approves Levitt Pavilion tri‑party agreement for St. James Park; city commits $15 million toward $20 million project
Summary
The City Council voted unanimously Feb. 4 to authorize a tri‑party agreement with Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose and the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation to build a Levitt Pavilion at St. James Park, approve an additional $5 million in district funds toward construction and authorize long‑term park use agreements.
The San Jose City Council on Feb. 4 approved a tri‑party agreement between the city, the Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose and the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation to construct a Levitt Pavilion at St. James Park and authorized the city manager to negotiate long‑term park use terms. Council members also approved an additional $5 million in District 3 capital funds to add to the city’s existing $10 million allocation for the project.
City staff and Friends of Levitt representatives described the project as a $20 million outdoor performing‑arts venue that would host at least 50 free, professionally produced concerts a year and provide a permanent community stage for local groups. The Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation will provide a national model and seed support; the local Friends group will raise the remaining capital. According to presenters, the Levitt Foundation also plans to seed early operations with about $1.1 million in support over the initial years.
City staff noted the park master plan is in design (about 90 percent complete), that legal review of historic‑preservation requirements remains active following earlier litigation, and that additional municipal approvals or ordinance adjustments may be required before construction can begin. Designers and the city manager said, in an ideal schedule, final design work would finish this calendar year, the construction contract could be awarded in early 2026 and the pavilion could open in 2027.
Supporters included neighborhood residents, businesses and arts organizations, who said the venue would activate the park, bring foot traffic downtown and give free cultural programming to San Jose residents. Speakers also asked the council to ensure ongoing community engagement and mitigation of potential impacts such as traffic and event sanitation.
The council approved the tri‑party agreement and the funding shift unanimously and directed the city manager to finalize contract language authorizing up to a 20‑year park use agreement consistent with charter park rules. Staff said they will continue community outreach, finalize the grant and operation agreements, and return with any required code or ordinance changes before construction.
