Jorge Cortez is an artist and restaurateur.

This piece ws originally published in the San Antonio Report. The photo is by Al Rendon, the words are by Jorge Cortez as captured and edited by Iris Dimmick.

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“Mayor Julián Castro’s leadership, with an emphasis on downtown living, is reshaping the soul of the city. I’m involved in the West End of downtown, where we’re developing a cultural zone that encompasses the visual arts and the performing arts. Texas A&M, with Dr. Maria Ferrier as president, will open a cultural center (in the former Museo Alameda building) that showcases local artists with an educational component.

With Lionel Sosa’s help, the Texas A&M Cultural Arts Center is also going to tell the story of Latinos in America. Ernest Bromley is leading a restoration of the Alameda Theater, the treasure of performing arts for Latinos, and we’re hoping it will be endorsed by the Kennedy Center – that should open in the next 4 or 5 years. Recently, the City of San Antonio approved a $9 million plan for a cultural corridor between Main Plaza and El Mercado, expanding sidewalks, installing special lighting, landscaping and benches.

We’re hoping to bring in the finest arts boutiques of Mexico to create a Mexican SoHo in the West End zone. More cafes, flamenco, tapas, entertainment, the list goes on. Downtown is going to be an exciting place to live.”