AUSTIN (KXAN) — The city of Austin provided an update on Phase 2 of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center project that kicked off construction nearly two years ago.
The cultural center, known as ESB MACC, is located on Lady Bird Lake and is “adjacent to the Waller Creek Boathouse and the Rainey Street Historical District,” according to the city website. The cultural center “is dedicated to the preservation, creation, presentation, and promotion of Mexican American and Latino cultural arts and heritage.”
This has been a project in the works since Austin City Council approved the 2018 Plan, according to the city. The anticipated plan includes a grand opening of the ESB MACC for the fall.
The city provided the following timeline for the construction schedule of the cultural center:
- Construction starts Aug. 28, 2023
- Anticipated Construction Substantial Completion by late summer 2025
- Anticipated Grand Re-Opening is set for Nov. 1
To see drone video of the construction site at ESB MACC, the city has video that can be viewed on its YouTube.
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Construction of sculpture garden granite walking path at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (City of Austin Photo) -
Snake path at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (City of Austin Photo) -
Zocalo paving at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (City of Austin Photo) -
Zocalo planting in progress at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (City of Austin Photo) -
Dance studio flooring complete at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (City of Austin Photo) -
Classroom mill at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (City of Austin Photo) -
Operable diving partitions installed in classrooms at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (City of Austin Photo) -
Exterior lighting on existing building complete at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (City of Austin Photo)
The cultural center has completed installation of diving partitions in classrooms and interior shelving and cabinetry, according to the city. Additionally, windows and doors were also tested “to ensure water resistance and airtight seals.”
However, ongoing work still includes Zocalo paving and is currently 80% complete. Other work includes installation of the Sculpture Garden granite path, landscaping, installation of granite walking paths, interior flooring and exterior, as well as interior lighting, according to the city.
In addition to the construction at the cultural center, the city said there is a separate project, known as The Confluence, and it “has increased activities at the ESBA MACC.” Those activities include trail detours due to trail enhancements, and a parking lots that “is the construction access point for the east side of the creek delta.”
“The roundabout and driveways of the MACC continue to experience elevated traffic and congestion due to the volume of work in the area by developers. Please exercise caution while in this district,” the city said.