AUSTIN, Texas — The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center near Rainey Street in Downtown Austin is getting a major makeover as part of its Phase 2 expansion.
"Our mission is to promote Latino art and culture – so anything to do with Latino Mexican American culture you will find it at MACC," said culture and arts manager Michelle Rojas.
Over the past several months, the center has been closed. The Phase 2 expansion is a multimillion-dollar project to expand the wings on the building along with other additions.
"We are going to have a teaching kitchen called La Cocina. We will have cooking classes available to come and take. We are adding a new community gallery, so emerging artists that are just starting out will a space to feature their artwork, and we are adding a new youth education wing," said Rojas.
The center also will have more space to conduct programs. Current programs are being run at other locations throughout the city.
In order to move forward with the expansion, the center needs a site plan permit from the Development Services Department at the City of Austin.
"This site is a complicated location – so close to the water, so close to Rainey Street and other developments happening in the area – so coordination for this project has been complicated," said Rojas.
Rojas expects they will get the permit soon and construction could begin as soon as next month. She said she is excited about the renovations coming and what the future holds.
"Important to have spaces where our culture and identity is being celebrated, where people feel a sense of pride and ownership of their history," she said.
Officials said Phase 2 construction is expected to be completed by 2025.
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