Amid the expanding urban landscape of Hillsboro, a cultural and economic beacon stands out: Calle Diez. Known to some as 10th Avenue or Shute Park, this hub forms the heart of the city's Latino community. With over two-thirds of its populace identifying as Hispanic or Latino, Calle Diez offers a vital connection to heritage and tradition through its array of specialty shops, restaurants, and bilingual amenities, as reported by Hillsboro's official news.
The vitality of the area is palpable. Here, residents can visit Su Casa Super Mercado on 10th Avenue and Walnut Street, a family-owned establishment and one of the state's longest-standing mercados. "It makes you so proud to see all the Hispanic business owners here now," said Isabell Mendoza, an owner of Su Casa, in an interview with Hillsboro's official news. Alongside Su Casa, many other businesses pander to the Latino community's needs, offering everything from legal and medical services in Spanish, to international money and goods transfer services to Latin America.
However, the neighborhood is by no means free from pressing issues. Despite its cultural vibrance, it grapples with economic disparities, and over half of the city's affordable housing is concentrated in Calle Diez. Safety remains a critical concern for its residents. Hillsboro City Council is vigilant in addressing these matters, striving to forge an equitable development plan that doesn't risk displacing the established community. "I am hoping we come up with a creative solution, and not a dramatic solution," Councilwoman Olivia Alcaire told Hillsboro's official news.
In parallel to this, initiatives have been set in motion to foster and honor the district's unique identity and place. Calle Diez is a proud part of Hillsboro's Downtown and Cultural Arts Districts, enriched with murals by Latino artists and slated to welcome new public art installations at its library and Shute Park by 2025. Even in winter, the neighborhood's buoyant spirit is underscored by festive lights that illuminate the streets for a fourth consecutive season, and small grants have steadied the hands of local business proprietors. Through such endeavors, Calle Diez is more than a locale; it is a living testament to the cultural diversity that defines Hillsboro and enriches Oregon at large.
