Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Reopens After Extensive Renovation
The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) in Austin, Texas, is set to reopen on June 6 after being closed for over six years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a long-planned renovation. The center, which initially closed in March 2020, underwent a significant expansion known as Phase 2, adding 19,000 square feet of programmable space. The renovation was delayed due to increased material costs and labor shortages during the pandemic. The MACC, originally designed by architect Teodoro González de León, now features extended wings, a transformed inner plaza, and new facilities such as classrooms, a kitchen, and a vegetable garden. The center has historically served as a cultural hub for the Mexican American community in Austin, offering programs and events that celebrate and preserve Latino culture. 
