$3 Million investment strengthens East San José
San Jose, CA Jan. 13, 2026 — The School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza (La Plaza) has announced a $3 million investment to fund the expansion of La Avenida. With support from Councilmember Peter Ortiz and the City of San José’s Department of Housing, La Plaza is launching the first phase of the initiative with the development of a 28,000-square-foot vacant commercial property located across the street from its current facility.
Located on the historic grounds where César Chávez began his early activism in East San José, the expanded space will enable La Plaza to grow its cultural programming, provide family wellness services through equity partner Gardner Health Services, and strengthen economic opportunities within the Mayfair neighborhood.
“This $3 million investment is about more than a building—it’s about protecting the cultural and economic future of East San José. La Avenida is our commitment to ensuring that longtime residents, small businesses, and families can continue to thrive in the neighborhood they helped build. With the partnership of Councilmember Ortiz and the City of San José, we’re aligning public resources with community vision to create spaces rooted in culture, wellness, and opportunity.” – Jessica Paz-Cedillos, CEO, School of Arts and Culture at MHP
About the Project
La Plaza’s bold initiative, La Avenida, is a multi-phased effort to stabilize and revitalize the Alum Rock Avenue Corridor in East San José’s Mayfair neighborhood amid increasing resident displacement. Designed to anchor community, culture, and economic opportunity, La Avenida will unfold in several phases. Phase One includes the redevelopment of a 28,000-square-foot commercial property across from Mexican Heritage Plaza. Phases Two and Three will focus on new development on the Plaza campus, including affordable housing and additional commercial space.
