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Spanish Harlem, also known as El Barrio, has long been a vibrant center of Latino art, culture, and history in New York City. Our goal is to re-invigorate the local economy while maintaining the neighborhood’s multi-cultural legacy, focusing on Latino art and culture as invaluable community assets. This project recognizes the historical role of the Boricua (Puerto Rican) community as pioneers of El Barrio, while also honoring the influence of the area’s rich multi-ethnic and cultural history. We are committed to acknowledging, respecting, and perpetuating the intrinsic social, cultural, and economic value of this legacy, ensuring it is passed on and appreciated by new arrivals who bring fresh energy, languages, and artistic expressions to the neighborhood.
To achieve this, we are raising funds to acquire and repurpose local heritage sites, most notably La Casa Latina Music Shop and its neighboring properties at 151/149 East 116th Street and 1873 Lexington Ave. Once owned by the Barreira family and recognized as a Spanish Harlem Legacy site, these four-story, mixed-use brownstones were an epicenter of Latin music sales and event promotions from 1966 to 2023. Our vision is to transform these sites into a landmark Latin music-themed cabaret—the first of its kind in Spanish Harlem—along with a Latin music artifact repository, rehearsal spaces, offices, and dwellings. We also plan to offer walking tours, lectures, exhibitions, local talent highlights and performances, multi-media presentations, rehearsal and living space rentals, and dining and beverage options. These activities will generate revenue, create jobs, attract newcomers, and position the community as a tourist destination, while giving current members more reasons to stay and thrive.
Ethnic communities like Spanish Harlem, Little Italy, and Chinatown are being encroached upon, threatening to erase their history and contributions to New York City’s multicultural identity. By supporting this fundraiser, you are helping to preserve one such community and create a model for others to follow. Your donation will make a real difference in keeping this legacy alive and ensuring that the unique spirit of El Barrio continues to thrive. Thank you for your support.
To achieve this, we are raising funds to acquire and repurpose local heritage sites, most notably La Casa Latina Music Shop and its neighboring properties at 151/149 East 116th Street and 1873 Lexington Ave. Once owned by the Barreira family and recognized as a Spanish Harlem Legacy site, these four-story, mixed-use brownstones were an epicenter of Latin music sales and event promotions from 1966 to 2023. Our vision is to transform these sites into a landmark Latin music-themed cabaret—the first of its kind in Spanish Harlem—along with a Latin music artifact repository, rehearsal spaces, offices, and dwellings. We also plan to offer walking tours, lectures, exhibitions, local talent highlights and performances, multi-media presentations, rehearsal and living space rentals, and dining and beverage options. These activities will generate revenue, create jobs, attract newcomers, and position the community as a tourist destination, while giving current members more reasons to stay and thrive.
Ethnic communities like Spanish Harlem, Little Italy, and Chinatown are being encroached upon, threatening to erase their history and contributions to New York City’s multicultural identity. By supporting this fundraiser, you are helping to preserve one such community and create a model for others to follow. Your donation will make a real difference in keeping this legacy alive and ensuring that the unique spirit of El Barrio continues to thrive. Thank you for your support.
Organizer
