The Hispanic Center for Economic Development’s Community Development efforts aim to support positive change and build stronger, more resilient local communities. The goal of our work is to drive economic and social advancement opportunities that help families achieve financial stability and economic mobility. This is approached on a hyper-local scale specific to La Villa Hispana community. La Villa Hispana is a place-making neighborhood initiative within the Clark-Fulton in Cleveland’s west side. Our efforts look to promote and foster the skills, entrepreneurship, and ownership required for equitable development of La Villa Hispana. Our work in Community Development is done in collaboration with Metro West Community Development Organization.
By fostering and showcasing the vibrancy and culture of the Villa Hispana neighborhood, the goal is to ensure economic mobility for residents and business owners as we address community need (access to food, workforce, place-making, cultural encounters, etc.) The efforts around community development include the following:
CentroVilla25
CentroVilla25 is an adaptive reuse of a vacant 32,500 square foot warehouse and office building with an additional 12,500 square foot expansion. The market will feature twenty kiosk-style micro-retail spaces, commercial kitchen, business innovation center and co-working space, office space for Latino and neighborhood-serving organizations, outdoor plaza with restaurant, and a community gathering space for arts & culture programming. CentroVilla25 will catalyze economic impact through job creation and business development, developing a thriving local living economy, and creative placemaking that celebrates Latino culture. Stay up to date on CentroVilla25 news!
La Placita Cleveland
La Placita (the marketplace) is a celebration at the intersection of culture and commerce. The event is dedicated to fostering Cleveland’s rich Latino culture and promoting economic development in La Villa Hispana, a placemaking initiative within the Clark-Fulton neighborhood focused around the intersection of Clark Avenue and West 25th. A tool for authentic community development, La Placita paves the way for local minority entrepreneurs and artists to showcase their products and talents. This year’s events are especially important, as many of the participating entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to transition their businesses into a permanent space within El Mercado, a micro-retail business incubator projected to open in La Villa Hispana in 2022. Follow along for 2022 updates!
