Mexican Heritage Plaza

The Mexican Heritage Plaza is a unique community and cultural arts facility located at the corner of Alum Rock and King in San José, in the heart of the area where Mexican Americans settled in San Jose in the mid-19th century.  The site formerly housed a grocery store that was the target of one of the first boycotts for farm workers’ rights organized by César Chavez.

The Plaza features a theater, pavilion, art gallery, classroom space, and an outdoor square and gardens built in the architectural style of a traditional Mexican plaza. The Plaza hosts plays and other performances, art exhibits, community events, corporate meetings, weddings and quinceañeras, and more. Take a Virtual Tour of the Plaza Here (external link)!

Recently, a community process has been underway to revisit the operating model of the Plaza.  The consensus vision is that the Plaza should be a Community Cultural Center, and the City Council has approved a process to create a new, sustainable business plan for the Plaza reflecting that vision.  The business plan is targeted for completion at the end of Fall 2009, and until then, the City will be responsible for facilities management, and event services at the Plaza.  Programming during this time will be done by the Plaza’s Resident Arts Partners.

This web site provides information on the business planning process and how you can participate in it. We encourage everyone interested in the future of the Plaza to make a pledge. As we are currently in the selection process for the MHP Steering Committee through January 2009, please contact the MHP Transition Manager for an up-to-date status report on the business planning process. When the Steering Committee has been selected an update will appear on the website, along with an explanation of next steps in the business planning process. Thank you for your interest and commitment to the future of the Mexican Heritage Plaza.

For all inquiries regarding community outreach, the business planning process or the Plaza Pledge program please contact:

Elisa Echeverria
Mexican Heritage Plaza Transition Manager
(408) 928-5554
elisa.echeverria@sanjoseca.gov