Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
600 River Street, Austin Texas
Mission Statement: The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC) is dedicated to the preservation, creation, presentation, and promotion of the cultural arts of Mexican Americans and Latino cultures.
The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC) has entered Phase 2 of the 2018 Facility Expansion Plan (2018 Plan) approved by Austin City Council. Phase 2 includes expansion and renovation of the facility in addition to site improvements to meet the growing needs of the community. The completed project will support programs which foster meaningful understanding and appreciation of Mexican American, Native American, Chicano and other Latinx Cultures.
The purpose of this webpage is to inform the public about the Phase 2 of the ESB MACC. This page was produced by the ESB MACC staff in conjunction with a physical exhibit on-site in the ESB MACC Sam Z. Coronado Gallery, which will be open for public viewing for the month of March 2022. The exhibit and this webpage invite the ESB MACC community to gain an understanding of Phase 2 and contribute their programming feedback in an interactive format.
Watch the special called ESB-MACC Advisory Board meeting below to hear the Phase 2 team as they present their schematic design.
Continue reading and discover more about the Phase 2 of the ESB MACC! All details and updates from the Phase 2 Project Team can be found on AustinTexas.gov/MACCphase2.
THE HISTORY OF THE ESB- MACC
In the early 1970s at the height of the Chicano Movement in Austin, Texas, Mexican American and Latino artists, educators, and leaders recognized a need for cultural arts space, education, and programming. With members from such organizations as the League of United Chicano Artists (LUChA) in East Austin, a myriad of Latino dance arts groups, Chicano theater troupes, and community organizations, this idea gained momentum.
The eventual demise of El Centro Chicano and the Juárez-Lincoln Center created an urgent need for a community cultural center, and Austin’s artists and community leaders were eager to pursue that goal. After many long years and struggles, ground broke for the Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) in 2005, and, at last, the grand opening was held September 15, 2007, realizing a nearly 40 year old dream for the Mexican American community in Austin. In 2011, the center was renamed the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC).
Learn More about the History of the MACC:
EMMA S. BARRIENTOS
Emma Serrato Barrientos, a political activist, community organizer, and cultural leader, who grew up in Galveston, Texas. She was one of the biggest advocates for the ESB MACC. Emma worked alongside her husband Gonzalo Barrientos, the first Mexican-American state representative from Travis County. In 2011 when she passed away, the MACC was renamed the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center in her honor.
Source: https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/barrientos-emma-serrato
History of Rainey Street
When cattle baron Jesse Driskill (proprietor of The Driskill Hotel) and Frank Rainey (confederate Army veteran) designated this 120-acre neighborhood in 1884, little did they know that it would one day become a flourishing entertainment district with international fanfare. The district was mapped in the southeast downtown quadrant between Rainey Street and the Colorado River, long before I-35 dissected East Austin from downtown.
The original Rainey Street homes were built between 1885 and 1937, though many of those of the original homes were wiped out by the devastating flood of 1935. Rainey street children attended nearby Palm School. Following the floods, many of these families fled for the suburbs and the street attracted primarily Latino residents beginning in the 1950s. The rebuilt homes were created in bungalow style.
When I-35 was built through downtown Austin in 1956, Rainey Street was severed from East Austin, creating feelings of isolation for many residents. During that time, downtown Austin was only lively during business hours, and there was very little activity on evenings and weekends.
Rainey Street's location near downtown caught the attention of developers eyeing the neighborhood for uses other than housing, as well as with activists insisting on the historic preservation of the neighborhood. In 1985, Rainey Street Historic District was listed with the National Register of Historic Places. With the designation in place, the neighborhood experienced a period of calm for a few decades until zoning implemented in 2004 and 2005 allowed businesses to enter the area.
Rainey Street Documentary
Produced by Andrea Merrim and Paula Manley in partnership with Paul Hernandez and the East Austin Chicano Economic Development Corporation, this 1981 documentary tells the story of Chicano residents’ struggle to maintain their community amid pressure to develop the land in the Rainey Street neighborhood near downtown Austin. In addition to homeowners’ attempts to hold onto their properties, the film also looks at the court battle over the Juárez-Lincoln building, speaking with both the real estate developers looking to demolish the space to make way for new construction and the community organizers hoping to turn it into a neighborhood center.
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainey_Street_Historic_District, https://austin.culturemap.com/news/city-life/06-14-19-the-funky-history-of-rainey-street-hottest-neighborhood/
Tejano Walking Trail
The ESB MACC Trail of Tejano Legends statues recognizes local Latin musicians that helped shape Austin's music scene in the '40s and '50s. This sculpture is located on the Tejano Walking Trail which guides visitors through the heart of the East Cesar Chavez and Holly neighborhoods, historically Hispanic residential areas. The Tejano Walking Trail covers an expansive part of American history in a loop of just under 5 miles.
Sources: https://austin.culturemap.com/news/city-life/06-14-19-the-funky-history-of-rainey-street-hottest-neighborhood/, http://www.tejanotrails.com/about/, http://www.tejanotrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Old-Guide.pdf, https://austin.culturemap.com/news/city-life/05-25-12-15-53-the-tejano-walking-trail-shines-a-light-on-east-austins-rich-heritage-and-vibrant-culture/#slide=0
Early Programming at the MACC
5th Anniversary Conference: "600 River Street: The Long Road to Completion."
In September of 2012, the MACC celebrated its 5th anniversary with a conference on its history. Gloria Espitia, Neighborhood Liaison for the Austin History Center, served as the MACC historian. Helinda Zamora, Culture & Arts Education Manager of the MACC, gave opening remarks.
There were speakers including Mike Miller, Manager of the Austin History Center, Dr. Emilio Zamora, Professor of History at the University of TX at Austin, Dr. Tomas Ybarra-Frausto, Scholar of Latino Culture, Community Cultural Centers: Guardians of our Culture, Cristina Balli, Executive Director of Texas Folklife, Roen Salinas, Folklorico Dancer and Activist, Gustavo “Gus” Garcia, Former Mayor of Austin, Catherine Vasquez-Revilla, Former City Boards Member, and Tomas Salas, Actor, Theatre Director, Producer.
MACC 10th Year Anniversary
In 2017, the MACC celebrated a decade of programming, serving the greater Austin community. They established four annual "Signature Events", which are yearly events that coincide with cultural traditions as well as Austin-area traditions.
Signature Events
Viva Mexico in September, a Celebration of Independence. Tied to the Mexican Indepence holiday on Sept 16, this event always includes the "Grito" or cry to independence.
Dia de Los Muertos A beloved traditional celebration to honor our ancestors and pay tribute to those individuals who we've lost. Includes an exhibition of ofrendas, or altars, created by the MACC community.
La Mujer: A Celebration of Women. This festival was inspired by Sor Juana Ines de La Cruz. It is a celebration of the contributions of women, women-identifying, womxn, and non-binary folks.
Awards of Excellence. This awards ceremony recognizes those who have made significant, lasting contributions to Austin's Latino/a/x community. These trailblazers receive recognition for the paths they carve in the cultural arts.
More Memories of MACC Events...
The "Recuerdos" (Memories) Exhibit includes photographs of some of the most memorable events at the MACC over the years. This digital exhibit was created in 2021 by MACC staff and highlights beautiful photographs by MACC photographers Ulises Garcia and Mari Hernandez.
MACC Phase 2 Planning
Public input on the project began in late May of 2017 with the team hosting four small stakeholder group discussions with the MACC Board, former board members, artists, community members and ESB-MACC staff. Three additional sessions were hosted with partners such as the Waller Creek Conservancy and The Trail Foundation. The first of three public open house meetings took place on June 17th and provided participants an overview of the project and an opportunity to discuss programming space needs directly with representatives from the CasaBella design team. This phase encouraged participants to complete a substantive survey made available online and in print. A list of the public meeting materials is available for download on the Phase 2 Project Page:
The 2018 Plan
The Austin City Council adopted the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC) Master Plan on May 24, 2018. The plan presents design recommendations to better meet the current and future needs of the center. The process sought public input on programming to guide the expansion of the existing facility, new facilities, new shade structures, parking, landscaping and the potential redesign of the plaza. Additional site plan elements include design options for mobility access or circulation, the “Gran Entrada” or entrance to the complex, its relationship to the waterfront at Lady Bird Lake and Waller Creek, and to the neighboring commercial and residential properties.
Phase 2 Continued Planning, 2020-2022
In 2020, the ESB MACC entered Phase 2 of the 2018 Facility Expansion Plan (2018 Plan) approved by City Council. Phase 2 includes expansion and renovation of the facility in addition to site improvements in order to meet the growing needs of the community.
In January 2021, The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department announced that the architectural and engineering design team was on board. It consists of a joint venture of Miró Rivera Architects and Tatiana Bilbao Estudio. The building Construction Manager, Rogers-O’Brien Construction Company, is on board and will work with the project team providing pre-construction services.
Expansion Timeline
The estimated timeline is listed below. It is important to note that these are only tentative dates that are highly subject to change. Please visit the Project Website, Austintexas.gov/MACCPhase2, for the most up-to-date information.
Anticipated Timeline
- November 2020: Execution of design contract with the Joint Venture Miro Rivera Architects and Tatiana Bilbao Estudio (JV MRA|TBE) and start of design
- December 2020: Execution of Construction Manager at Risk contract with Rogers O’Brien Construction Company
- Spring 2022: Design Phase concludes
- Winter 2022: Start of Site Construction
- Winter 2024: Construction completed
- Early 2025: Grand Opening
Meet the Architects
Tatiana Bilbao Estudio (Mexico City)
The studio was founded with the aim of integrating social values, collaboration and sensitive design approaches to architecture. Tatiana Bilbao innovative works often merged geometry with nature. The firm’s core philosophy is that the work is to contribute to its surrounding while remaining flexible to absorb shifting needs. The firm’s inter-disciplinary approach to projects span multiple countries such as Mexico, US, France, Germany, Spain and China, to name a few. Bilbao's work has been recognized globally as an innovative, emerging voice in architecture and in sustainability. Tatiana has been a visiting professor at Yale, Columbia, Harvard, Rice University and her alumna mater, Ibero-American University.
Notable Projects include:
Miro Rivera Architects (Austin, Texas)
Miró Rivera Architects is an Award-winning architectural firm operating in Austin since 2000. The firm’s philosophy is rooted in “responsible architecture”. Three basic principles guide the practice of Miró Rivera Architects and must be addressed in every project. The Architect acts as a listener, a builder, and a visionary in order to transcend a mere building into true architecture. MRA has emerged as one of the architecture voices in the United States, creating a body of work that exemplifies design excellence.
Their work has been recognized nationally and internationally with over 80 design awards. Partners Juan Miró and Miguel Rivera were elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in recognition to their contributions to the profession and society. In 2016, MRA won the Architecture Firm Award from the Texas Society of Architects. Juan is also an Associate Dean and Professor at the University Of Texas School Of Architecture. Juan has taught and researched Mexican Architecture, art, history which includes the work of late MACC architect, Teodoro González de León.
Most recent notable projects include:
Circuit of the Americas, AISD Performing Arts Center, Lifeworks (Austin,TX)
Schematic Design
The Joint Venture (JV) of Tatiana Bilbao and Miro Rivera has drafted their schematic design. This preliminary design shows the plans for the Phase 2 expansion of the MACC.
The classroom spaces will increase, two new galleries will be built, there will be a new music practice area, a culinary room, and there will be a lower level added so that there will actually be a new floor underneath the current Zocalo plaza.
Trails and Trees
There are several other concurrent projects in the area surrounding the ESB MACC. Connectivity to the hike and bike trails, Lady Bird Lake, and pedestrian walkways and surrounding neighborhood are needed to activate the plaza and draw patrons to the facility.
The Phase 2 Project Team is working with the Trails Foundation to design the new trail location at the level of Lady Bird Lake. There is a great deal of care to minimize the environmental impact and ensure that heritage trees are preserved.
The Project Team also coordinated with the Confluence at Waller Creek Delta to ensure a smooth transition between the end of their project and the start of the MACC project along the trail.
Nearby ProjectS:
Confluence Park at Waller Creek Delta
Waterloo Greenway's major renovations to the Waller Creek Delta area will be underway within the next few years with a planned Confluence Park that foes from 4th street all the way to the lake. At The Confluence, where the mouth of Waller Creek meets Lady Bird Lake, the creek is deeper and more ecologically diverse than anywhere else in the city. Three lightweight suspension bridges will drape across the newly restored delta landscape, creating stunning canopy walks with unrivaled vantage points, and vital new east-west connections. A stand of new bald cypress trees will create a sustainable habitat, welcoming visitors to a new creek-level trail and elevated boardwalk. project.
Nearby Projects:
Rainey Street Substation
The Rainey Street Substation is down the street from the MACC. It is located at 706-½ Lambie St. just a few blocks away. Its location and proximity to the existing electrical and distribution network made it an ideal site to add capacity and use a previously unused property.
This Power Station is already in construction, and there is an updated timeline below:
Nearby Projects:
Palm District Planning Initiative
The Palm District is an area on the eastern edge of downtown Austin that includes many attractions and points of interest such as Waller Creek, Red River Cultural District, Palm School, Rainey Street, the Emma S. Barrientos - Mexican American Cultural Center, and the Convention Center. The area is a dynamic gateway for visitors and a cultural touchstone for Austin's Mexican American community.
PROGRAMMING 2022-2024
During the approximately 2 years that the MACC will be under construction, programming will be conducted off-site. The MACC staff is excited to bring programs into the community, directly to YOU! Fill out the link below to request programming at your school, community center, or other gathering space!
PROGRAMMING POST-2024
We want to hear from you! When the newly expanded MACC building opens to the public, what programs do you want to see? When the MACC reopens, there will be new spaces and expanded spaces, so tell us what kind of events, classes, and other opportunities you would like to see!
GET THE KIDS INVOLVED!
The coloring pages below can be printed for coloring, for anyone! Remember to read the whole MACC Coloring Book for a full history of the MACC, bilingual and appropriate for children.
COMMENTS FROM MACC STAFF
The ESB MACC Staff gave their input on the Phase 2 Construction and expansion, lending their expertise on how they use the current spaces for their programming and how these spaces will benefit from renovations and additions. Read more below!
Cassie Smith, Art Instructor & Former MACC Advisory Board Member
"I’d like to have a couple of spaces dedicated for people who happen by the MACC...to generate more feelings of inclusivity and ownership of the building. I think a playscape and nice landscaping would also help to make the space a place you’d want to bring your family to."
Futa 'Ofamo'oni, Education
Built-in storage areas would be useful for such spaces that have limited practical use. In general, most spaces could do with dedicated storage space. More prominent signage would also be useful, as you typically can’t tell what a space is or is for without going right up and looking through a window.
Ulises Garcia, Photography & Production
"Directional signs, Informational Signs with the history of the MACC, the meaning of the building & the public art, more Representation of the Mexican and Mexican American Culture outside and inside the building, more color, permanent Murals would tell the story of the MACC. IMPROVE The lighting in the Zocalo and the parking lot, Improve the security system and add more cameras around the grounds, add illuminated directional signs that tell what the place is about."
Jesus Varela, Event Coordinator
"We need better signage! Public works of art, on Zocalo and pocket park. Big public outdoor outworks to draw attention. We need spaces for people just to hang out if there is no program occurring at that time. For example, at the new Austin Public Library you can go anytime, no appointment or schedule."
Robert Poschmann, Production Coordinator
"To my knowledge the 6-10 people that were on production staff shared a computer workstation with 4 other administrative workers. There was no production staff workspace computer or phone. The booths in both theaters can be overcrowded as the place was bringing people in the thousands to our events. Some staff were able to walk around because of their duties but others were forced in small cramped rooms. There is no official workstation, desk, phone, or PC."
Frederico Geib, Caminos Teen Leadership Program Coordinator
"We have 'art classrooms' but we dont have an area to make art... like when the caminantes work on murals during the winter, etc.... so I think we need an Art Studio/Art Workspace. Outdoor art making spaces for teens. Sidewalks/ walkways to direct bikes AROUND the zocalo, not through, so during youth programs they can use the zocalo without putting kids in danger."
Luis Gutierrez, Exhibition Specialist
"Galleries, like Theater need sufficient and appropriate storage space as well as a workshop to accommodate the production of mobile walls and pedestals. Artists often request Visual and Sound equipment and galleries should be able to accommodate."
Ricardo Rodriguez, Latino Artist Access Program
"I think we need to revamp the kitchen facilities from a concession area to a dedicated space for cooking and classes."
Lorie Martinez, Rentals and Latino Artist Access Program Coordinator
"[We need] larger restrooms or at least one restroom that is equipped to accommodate larger rentals and our signature events when we have hundreds of people on-site. Also, could our outside electrical power be improved? Or are generators standard for outdoor events?"
Adrienne Sanchez, Latino Artist Access Program
"More classrooms are needed. A space where artists in various mediums (sculpture, printmaking, drawing, and painting) can work would be great for our LAAP artists and other artists. Proper ventilation would be needed for that space as well to help with fumes from oil paints or spray paint. Portable room dividers and shelves can possibly be added to section off areas, add wall space to place developing artwork and shelving would add storage, developing artwork space. Natural lighting in the art space would be beneficial for the artists as well."
Tour of the Murals @ MACC:
Community Feedback:
The MACC hosted two community feedback sessions right before quarantine started, in January and February 2020. Here are summaries of those findings:
