We rush to Presti’s Bakery for a cannoli or duck into AsiaTown’s Korean House for kimchi. But where do we go for fried plantains or hip-swinging salsa? We got our answer with the unveiling of La Villa Hispana. The plan, presented to the Cleveland City Planning Commission in October, focuses on creating a hub for Latin flair and flavor. Between West 25th Street and Clark Avenue, La Villa Hispana hopes to enliven the community through economic development and community engagement. Jenice Contreras, executive director of the Hispanic Business Center, shares her vision for a thriving Latino community.
Q: What does the plan consist of?
A: Under economic development is El Mercado, a marketplace where we will be able to develop a vibrant retail district for the neighborhood. We have Latino bakeries, restaurants and flower shops, but they’re spread out. To bring them to one place where you can come on a Saturday with your family, have a great lunch, get some fresh flowers [and] go to the grocery store will create a destination and the ability to generate revenue and exposure for micro-entrepreneurs.
Q: Why are you keeping everything centralized?
A: Displacement. I can live in a neighborhood that has great restaurants, great art and great grocery stores, but if I can’t afford it, then I just live there. It’s really about creating a place where people can feel at home, thrive and build a sense of community. It’s about culture and placemaking for the people that are already there.
Q: What’s your hope for the final product?
A: When I close my eyes I see colors and people ... a vibrancy. It’s art, it’s music. It’s places where people gather regardless of where you come from. We are a welcoming, giving community. You can’t go to a Latino’s house without them wanting to feed you. This is a unique opportunity for us to share that with the rest of the region.
