The longstanding vision for the enhancement of Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC) in Austin is progressively taking tangible form as the expansion project continues. Lily Zamarripa-Saenz, a current member of the MACC Advisory Board, expressed a sense of validation after touring the construction site in April, witnessing the fruits of nearly a decade's efforts. “It put things into perspective. We were able to see how much room the MACC will have to host events. Whether they’re small, medium, or large, we have an idea that we are on track to and on scope or aligned with the scope of the community vision,” Zamarripa-Saenz told the Austin Monitor.

Zamarripa-Saenz further explained that the current phase of work is nearly finished and that once underground work wraps up, construction of the north and south wings, plus enhancements to the plaza area, can begin. Earlier this month, the project's advancement was marked by updates from architects on the final designs, which had to adapt to inflation constraints induced by the pandemic. The project aims to nearly double the MACC's footprint, adding vital spaces such as classrooms, kitchens, meeting rooms, and a central plaza designed to host up to 5,000 people for various events.

In a recent session, the advisory board set plans in motion to better envision future classes and programs to capitalize on the new spaces. "Once we are working more and seeing the sizes of those rooms and what type of technology we’re able to incorporate, we’ll have a better understanding,” Zamarripa-Saenz said, expressing anticipation for community collaboration in determining the offerings of the center. Notably, the new kitchen space will enable culinary education programs, a prospect that resonates deeply with Zamarripa-Saenz.

Another critical perspective highlights the growing disconnect as the Latino community gets edged out by nearby upscale developments. City Council Member Chito Vela underscored the MACC's crucial role in serving Austin's significant Latino community. Despite the encroachment of gentrification, the MACC is set to serve a broader demographic. "The Latino community is about 40 percent of the population of Austin, and we really have grown to the point where we’re in so many neighborhoods. … We’re in multiple neighborhoods, north, east and south Austin at this point," Vela told the Austin Monitor.

Funding and future operational budget remain active concerns, with Vela pointing to Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue as a potential financial resource, given the center's proximity to the Austin Convention Center. Details of the entire Phase 2 improvements, including stakeholder consultation and community engagement, the adoption of the updated master plan, and project funding limitations can be found on the city's official Phase 2 project page.