5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor
Working Toward the Establishment of a Cultural Heritage District
Since 2010, Mexic-Arte Museum and supporters have worked to create, develop, and garner support for the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor. The goal of the Corridor is to interconnect and enhance the downtown network of public parks and streets; attract tourism and economic development; celebrate and recognize the distinct history, culture, and identity of the place; introduce historic interpretation elements; and reinforce an authentic sense of place.
About Cultural Heritage District Designation
Mexic-Arte Museum, the Downtown Austin Alliance, and the City of Austin are working to earn Cultural Heritage District designation for the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor. Cultural districts are special zones that harness the power of cultural resources to stimulate economic development and community vitality. The District will be defined by the geographic anchors of Republic Square on West Fifth Street and Plaza Saltillo on East 5th St.
The area is full of and surrounded by significant historic, cultural, heritage, and community sites deserving of both preservation and active use. Cultural Heritage District Designation status will highlight and benefit all cultural assets and businesses along 5th Street. Cultural Heritage District designation will further uplift this rich downtown area into a beautiful and educational destination for tourists and the Austin community alike.
Get Involved
Join Mexic-Arte Museum and the Downtown Austin Alliance in a series of community engagement events that will bring together 5th Street businesses and stakeholders from Republic Square to Plaza Saltillo. Facilitated by the City of Austin Economic Development Department, these gatherings will foster collaboration, promote idea sharing, and enable feedback collection regarding the development of the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor and District.
Your feedback is crucial to ensuring the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor and District represents the cultural and historical value of the area. Only by working together to contribute ideas, gain insight, and provide guidance can we preserve and enhance the heritage of our community.
For more information on engagement events, contact Adrienne Brown via email or by calling 512-200-7276.
Resources
In conjunction with the Austin History Center, Mexic-Arte developed an interactive exhibition and map, titled Austin’s Mexico: A Forgotten Neighborhood, aimed at uncovering the history of some of the earliest Mexican settlers in our city. On Mexic-Arte’s website, the digital version allows viewers to click/roll over icons that reveal text and historical photos from the original exhibit, as well as listen to interviews of the descendants.
Project in partnership with Mexic-Arte and Downtown Austin Alliance with support from the City of Austin.
