MassDevelopment Provides $12M for New Arts & Cultural Center on Newton Street

MassDevelopment has facilitated the issuance of a $12.08 million tax-exempt bond to Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, Inc. (IBA). This financial support, supplemented by New Markets Tax Credits and purchased by TD Bank, will fund the construction of a new Latinx cultural center named La CASA: The Center for Arts, Self-Determination, and Activism.

Features of La CASA

The upcoming La CASA center will be a four-story, 26,500-square-foot facility located at 85 West Newton Street in Boston’s South End. It is designed to host a variety of cultural and community activities. The center will include galleries, arts education spaces, a performance area, and multipurpose community gathering spaces. The first level will feature a versatile arts space, providing an adaptable venue for various programs and events.

Purpose and Impact

La CASA aims to serve as a cultural hub and community space, supporting IBA's programs and services. It will facilitate property management and host community activities, reflecting IBA’s mission to empower the local community through cultural and educational initiatives.

Leadership and Vision

Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, CEO of IBA, emphasized the significance of this development. She expressed gratitude towards MassDevelopment and TD Bank for their support, highlighting that La CASA will be more than just a building. It is envisioned as a sanctuary for art, education, and economic growth, symbolizing cultural enrichment and community empowerment in Boston’s South End.