Levitt at the Falls announces fundraising milestone to expand at Falls Park West

An expanded Levitt Shell at Levitt at the Falls is on the way, thanks to several major donations.

It’s part of a $5 million campaign to expand the venue at Falls Park West.

A lead gift by Dick and Kathy Sweetman facilitated through the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation will name the expansion of the Levitt Shell the Sweetman Atrium. This naming encompasses the entirety of the project, including the new programming space, staff offices, production and equipment storage, dressing rooms and an updated green room for artists.

“We’re honored to help donors like Dick and Kathy Sweetman connect with meaningful projects that enrich Sioux Falls,” Mary Kolsrud, chief philanthropy officer with the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, said in a statement. “The Levitt is a shining example of how philanthropy brings the arts to life and strengthens our community.”

A gift from the Dakota State University Foundation will name the 2,600-square-foot programming space. This room will allow the Levitt to offer events year-round.

A gift from John and Jeanelle Lust will name a second stage on the south side of the venue. The Lust Family Second Stage will be an additional outdoor programming and event space that will allow for more flexibility within the expansion.

“Given the tremendous support of our community, the Levitt is poised to bring even more exciting year-round programming to our community,”  Levitt president and CEO Nancy Halverson said. “We love our summer concert season on the lawn and look forward to growing our impact once the expansion is complete.”

As part of Levitt at the Falls’ partnership with the Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation Department, the $4.5 million expansion will be gifted to the city upon completion, with the remaining funds being used to purchase additional lighting, sound and video equipment.

The expansion also will enhance educational opportunities and streamline Levitt at the Falls’ operations to better serve the community. Construction is set to begin in September.

“We are excited to work with Levitt at the Falls to complete the expansion to the shell,” said Don Kearney, Sioux Falls director of parks and recreation. “The Levitt is an important part of our city, and I look forward to seeing the new programming opportunities once the expansion is complete.”

To accommodate the construction timeline, Levitt at the Falls’ 2025 season of 50 free concerts will begin May 23 and run through Aug. 30 with concerts every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.

In addition to the naming gifts, the Mortimer and Mimi Levitt Foundation, the Friends of Levitt Shell Sioux Falls board of directors, and corporate and family donors have propelled the expansion forward, the Levitt organization said.

Donations and sponsorships are still being accepted for the expansion. Click here for information.