Makeover
Major upgrades coming to Mexican American Cultural Center near Austin's bustling Rainey Street district

A center that celebrates Mexican American and Latino cultures is getting ready for a major expansion.
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.
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.
"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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