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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)
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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 Arts and 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 model is targeted for completion within a year, 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. Your monetary donation or volunteer hours will be used to support the Plaza in the long term. In the short term, City staff is implementing the City Council’s direction to convene a Steering Committee to develop a new management future for the Plaza through a business planning process. The business planning process entrusts the 13-member community Steering Committee, representing a broad range of stakeholders, with the creation of a sustainable business model that positions the Plaza as a vibrant and sustainable Community Arts and Cultural Facility.
The Steering Committee will meet on the second Tuesday each month, alternating between the lunch hour and after work hours. Details for the next meeting are listed below.
Date/Time: Tuesday, October 13th from 5:30-8:30pm
Location: Mexican Heritage Plaza Theatre Lobby
Format: Steering Committee meeting/open to the public
The Committee meeting format is a U-shaped table for the Committee members, with chairs available for the audience. The general public is encouraged to attend and observe the discussion of the Committee. There will be an allotted time for public comment on the agenda.
The business planning process will result in a recommendation by the Steering Committee to the City Council to proceed with a new model for operations and programming for the Plaza. There will be community reporting on the work of the Steering Committee throughout the business planning process, so please visit our website often for the meeting schedule, agendas and meeting summary. The meeting schedule, with links to the MHP website, is also available on the City’s Master Calendar and from the City Clerk’s Board and Commissions website.
Thank you for your continued interest and commitment to a bright future for 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) 794-6242
elisa.echeverria@sanjoseca.gov |
