Nelson founder gives $1M to renovate Santa Rosa's Luther Burbank Center for the Arts

The Luther Burbank Center for the Arts’ “Bridge to the Future” just got a hefty pour into its foundation – to the tune of $1 million from Sonoma Valley philanthropists Marcia and Gary Nelson, who last week committed the funds toward the Santa Rosa venue’s $11.5 million renovation.

The Luther Burbank Memorial Foundation on Oct. 18 announced the $1 million commitment from the Nelsons toward the multi-phase renovation project – dubbed “Bridge to the Future.” The current phase of the project, which launched in June of 2017, is focused on improving the 44-year-old performance venue’s infrastructure – specifically the center’s accessibility, safety and security, according to LBC officials.

Gary Nelson told the Index-Tribune that he and his wife, Marcia Nelson, have been involved with the center for nearly five years and that LBC “does amazing things to support arts education in Sonoma County,” detailing how the center provides schools with its instrument-lending library, an artist-in-residency program and assistance in helping school obtain art funding.

Performing arts and childhood education have long been a part of the Nelsons’ philanthropic focuses.

“We are strong believers that the technical skills involved in learning music and performing provide a great foundation for children,” said Nelson, adding that his and Marcia’s now-adult children “benefited greatly” from the music lessons they enjoyed as kids.

“The discipline and perseverance required of learning music and performing are tremendous skills for children to develop,” said Nelson.

“The support of music and arts education in our schools by LBC is a key reason we are investing our dollars in this fine institution,” said Marcia Nelson.

The Foundation has been waging an ongoing capital campaign for the estimated $11.5 million renovation; the Nelsons’ gift brings the total raised to $10.5 million.

Gary Nelson, who is an investor in Sonoma Media Investments, which publishes the Index-Tribune, said he’s glad the gift will help “move this project closer to completion.”

Upgrades to the venue, located at 50 Mark West Springs Road, will include installation of the first-ever elevators in the LBC building; ADA upgrades to its balcony restrooms, the addition of entirely new restrooms on both sides of the upstairs level; a whole new balcony concession area and new built-in concession service on the ground floor, as well as a renovation of the multi-use Fireside Room.

A new roof, paint for the entire building and new windows and doors in the main lobby are also on the current to-do list.

Among the highlights of the renovation is expected to be the creation of a new 18,000-square-foot fenced-in courtyard at the center. In recognition of the Nelsons’ gift, LBC officials plan to name the courtyard the Marcia and Gary Nelson Family Grand Plaza.

Paul Wilcock, chair of the LBC board of directors, expressed appreciation on behalf of all Luther Burbank Center stakeholders. “We are deeply grateful to Gary and Marcia for their very generous leadership and support,” said Wilcock in a statement to the press. “We look forward to inviting the community to enjoy the Marcia and Gary Nelson Family Grand Plaza.”

Sonoma-based Nelson Staffing was founded in 1970 by Gary Nelson, and it has offices throughout the West Coast and the southwest United States.

The Nelson Family Grand Plaza is expected to open in early 2019.