December 2018 Newsletter

The LCAC will be comprised of interrelated programs and exhibits. Central among them will be the Abarca Family Collection, blending fine art and folk art to bring dignity and respect to the full spectrum of indigenous artists. With the Abarca Collection and a variety of rotating exhibits, the LCAC will put a spotlight on the next generation of Latino artists. LCAC will feature a Latino resource library to enhance programming and exhibits.

While conceptual design and planning are underway, the LCAC vision includes the following: traditional Mexican food stands and gift shop on the ground floor; and museum galleries, an extensive Latino resource library, and a black box theater on the upper floors. An outdoor rooftop event space will offer unobstructed views of downtown Denver, the Rocky Mountains, and Mile High Stadium.

Since 2017, the LCAC has focused on community collaborations and partnerships, along with design and construction planning for the new facility. Final designs will be in place by winter 2018 and construction will begin in late 2019. This development site is located in the heart of the Sun Valley neighborhood in a Denver Enterprise Zone. Contributions to the capital campaign are eligible for state tax credits. The LCAC site is also in an Opportunity Zone and is located next to the Metropolitan Stadium District, which is in the master planning stage for a multi-phased redevelopment project. Located west of downtown Denver, the LCAC is in close proximity to the Sun Valley Eco-District and the Denver Housing Authority’s redevelopment. LCAC is two blocks from the RTD light rail transit stop across from the CO Department of Transportation’s new headquarters. Meow Wolf, an immersive art and entertainment experience, will open in 2020 just down the road on Old West Colfax. A few blocks away sits STEAM on the Platte, the newly completed adaptive re-use project, home to creative businesses and Raices Brewery. Together, these projects are shaping the Sun Valley neighborhood to be Denver’s creative cultural hub.

“We want to cement the Latino heritage in our community. It is important not to feel like an outsider when your history is here.” - Adrianna Abarca, Founder and Board Chair

The Vision of the LCAC will be realized through unique and relevant Latino cultural expressions, thereby promoting artistic vitality for all of Denver and the Rocky Mountain region. Diverse communities will convene to celebrate, honor and share experiences, with the LCAC serving as the gateway for the arts of Latin America to the United States.

PROJECT MISSION: The Mission of the Latino Cultural Arts Center (LCAC) is to strengthen the knowledge of and appreciation for the extensive artistic expressions of Latinos by preserving and highlighting the culture, history and ongoing contributions of the past, present and future Latino artists.

The Vision of the LCAC will be realized through unique and relevant Latino cultural expressions, thereby promoting artistic vitality for all of Denver and the Rocky Mountain region. Diverse communities will convene to celebrate, honor and share experiences, with the LCAC serving as the gateway for the arts of Latin America to the United States.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION The development consists of the new construction of a six-story 32,000 sf structure. The site is situated along Old West Colfax, south of Mile High Stadium. It was the former headquarters of Ready Foods, a custom food processor founded in 1972 in Denver by the Abarca Family, which is now in its 45th year of operation with facilities throughout Denver. Adrianna Abarca is leading the development effort.

Board of Directors

Adrianna Abarca, Founder & Board Chair

Marco Antonio Abarca

Carlos Martinez

Deborah Quintana

Mike Roque

Project Leaders

Benita Duran - Project Director - LCAC

Susan Powers - Developer - Urban Ventures

Tania Salgado, FAIA - Handprint Architects

Project Team

Victoria Paige Gonzalez