When Hill was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2014, his wife, Dr. Patricia Gordon, was dedicated to ensuring his legacy would live on in the city he loved and grew up in. Hill had envisioned using his wealth to support arts and education in underserved communities, and Dr. Gordon was determined to see that vision realized. Before his passing, she reached out to then-Mayor Eric Garcetti’s office for an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution in Hill’s name.

“I called the mayor’s office and said, ‘What is available downtown that we can support and name after my husband?”

The answer to that question would become the Sixth Street PARC’s planned amphitheater space, a perfect tribute to Hill’s lifelong commitment to the arts. Dr. Gordon and Hill immediately committed $1.9 million to the project, and at a press conference alongside Garcetti, Hill was able to witness his impact on the city firsthand.

“I wanted him to see what he was doing for the city he loved so much.”

The Leonard Hill Arts Plaza is now a central feature of the Sixth Street PARC, reflecting Hill’s commitment to creative expression and will provide a free and accessible venue for artists within the Boyle Heights and Arts District.

Former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti with Dr. Patricia Gordon and Leonard Hill

Even as his health declined, Hill remained deeply involved in planning, particularly when it came to safety.

“Len had the foresight to make sure there was adequate lighting, so that at nighttime, it would be safe for everyone in the community.”

Hill’s philanthropic vision continues through the oversight of Dr. Gordon and has extended beyond the PARC. The Leonard Hill Charitable Trust has given away more than $40 million over the last few years, the majority of which has gone towards leveling the playing field for low-income students throughout Los Angeles through major grants to organizations like College Track, the Partnership for LA Schools, City Year Los Angeles, and many others. 

When the Sixth Street PARC is completed in 2026, the Leonard Hill Arts Plaza will be more than just a performance space. It will be a testament to a man who saw potential in places others sometimes overlooked.

The Bureau of Engineering is the City's lead agency for the planning, design and construction management of the City's public buildings and its public infrastructure. Engineering is also responsible for managing permitting for all construction that takes place in the public right-of-way, as well as managing the City's state-of-the-art online mapping system, NavigateLA. Engineering is committed to designing and building environmentally-sustainable projects that include extensive community input. Engineering projects and services support the City's goals of creating a prosperous, livable and safe city for all residents and businesses.