BUFFALO, N.Y. – Mayor Byron W. Brown is announcing the allocation of $1 million to the Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY for the construction of the Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute.
The funds allocated to the cultural institute are from the city’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) spending strategy. The city’s ARP spending strategy has funding allocated for Community Center Renovation and Cultural Institution Support.
“The Niagara District is a gateway to our community. It is one of the first neighborhoods people see when they come to our great city,” said Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown. “The strategic allocation of these funds represents my administration’s continued commitment to the inclusive and equitable development in the city of Buffalo.”
The Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute will be located at the corner of Niagara and Hudson Streets in West Buffalo. The three-story structure will be the first of its kind in our region.
When completed the Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute will feature a museum, art gallery, café, performing arts theater, large event space with a commercial kitchen, broadcast media center called the Scott Bieler Family Foundation Media and Communication Center, learning labs and administrative spaces. There will be leasing space available as well.
“Even though it’s called the Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute, we understand that West Buffalo is an ever- changing community with new Americans and new immigrants,” said Casimiro D. Rodriguez Sr. President Emeritus and Founder of the Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York. “We hope that this will be an important asset, not only to our community, but the community at large.”
Congressman Brian Higgins and Senator Chuck Schumer both joined Mayor Brown to commend the Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY on their dedication to the community.
“We have had the opportunity to meet with members of the Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY for regular updates on this exciting project which promises to enrich the lives of all who visit,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. “This investment of federal funding by the city in the Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute, will help to build a place for the community to come together, to understand one another, to break bread, to celebrate rich history, and to build a bright future for the people of Western New York.”
Senator Chuck Schumer stated, “The Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute is another prime example of Buffalo’s proud multicultural landscape. I was proud to secure state and local aid in the American Rescue Plan and this funding will help create a hub of education and activity that will transcend race and ethnicity for the betterment of everyone in West Buffalo.”
The common council played a key role in the development of the city’s ARP spending strategy, and they are proud to help the vision of the Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute come to life.
“I am so encouraged by the support for the Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute. From foundations to other elected officials, each contribution suggests a level of commitment,” said City of Buffalo Common Councilman for the Niagara District and Majority Leader David A. Rivera. “The support pledged today, for which I am so grateful, evidences the Administration's commitment to this project and is absolutely critical in moving the Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute closer to realization."
Buffalo Common Council President Darius Pridgen stated, “I am excited about the new Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute and the Hispanic heritage council of Western New York hard work into making this dream a reality. The institute will be a valuable asset to West Buffalo community and Western New York. The common council is dedicated to seeing cultural institutions thrive, and this is just another example of our commitment and investment into the city of Buffalo.”
Fillmore Common Councilman Mitch Nowakowski stated, "I am thrilled with the announcement of these funds for this exciting project. The city of Buffalo's Hispanic heritage and culture is one of the assets that make our city such a vibrant, diverse place to live. The Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute promises to be a transformative institution not just on the Westside but the entire city."