Latino Cultural Center Celebrates Construction Milestone


09/09/2002
Dallas, TX - Thos. S. Byrne, Ltd., Construction Manager for the City of Dallas' Latino Cultural Center currently under construction at 2600 Live Oak in Dallas, will host a luncheon celebrating the raising of the final beam, which signifies the "topping-out" or completion of the structural frame. The ceremony will begin at 11:30 am with a private reception to follow at 12:00 at the Dallas Center for Contemporary Arts.

No facility represents the changing face of Dallas more than the Latino Cultural Center, which has been in various planning stages for more than a decade. With close to one million Hispanics now residing in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the Latino Cultural Center will fill a long time need in the community. Businessmen Joe Alcantar, Tom Lazo and arts patron Dolores Barzune raised private funds for the $7.7 million project, and the Meadows Foundation donated the land and contributed $250,000 to make this vision for Dallas a reality. The city committed bond funds seven years ago, but construction was delayed while private support was secured. The center, designed by noted architect Ricardo Legorreta, and will include a 300 seat theater, 75 foot tall tower and an art gallery. Completion of the project is scheduled for April 2003.

The Vision of the Latino Cultural Center is to provide artists, cultural organizations and the Latino community with the facilities and opportunities to develop and celebrate the unique cultural talents and gifts. The Center will present opportunities for education and experience in quality visual, literary, media and traditional arts, and will also provide a venue and workspace for artists. The Mission of the Latino Cultural Center is to serve as a catalyst for the preservation, development and promotion of Latino and Hispanic arts and culture in Dallas.

Thos. S. Byrne, Ltd., Construction Manager for the project, is the largest minority owned general contractor in the State of Texas. John Avila, owner and President, commended the project team, which includes Halff Associates and the City of Dallas on the successful topping out of the building. "Our firm is honored to participate in the construction of this historic project, which represents not only a celebration of the Hispanic culture, but also the collaboration of many cultures and diverse communities and organizations throughout Dallas in making this vision a reality."