Congressman García Hosts Assistant Democratic Leader Neguse in Little Village for Groundbreaking Ceremony of Yollocalli Fire Station Community Center

CHICAGO — Today, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) welcomed Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse (CO-02) to his district for the groundbreaking ceremony of a new space for the Yollocalli Arts Reach, an award-winning initiative of the National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA). The new home of the program will be a decommissioned fire station which, once renovated, will provide free afterschool and summer arts programming for more than 300 youth ages 13 to 24 throughout the Southwest side of Chicago. Since its creation by NMMA in 1997, the Yollocalli Arts Reach initiative has provided equal access to communal, artistic, and cultural resources for youth.

“This is not just a building; it will be a community space and creative hub for young people from all over Southwest Chicago,” said Congressman García. “The new center will allow Yollocalli to double the number of youth it currently serves. It will be a nurturing environment where our youth can explore their talents and express themselves. I’m proud to host Assistant Leader Neguse to showcase the beauty and resilience of the hard-working communities I represent.”

“I’m excited to join my friend and colleague Congressman García for the groundbreaking of the Yollocalli Arts Reach Fire Station Center,” said Assistant Democratic Leader Neguse.

“Congressman García continues to be a champion for everyday American families and is a leader in the fight to provide young people with the opportunity to receive a quality education and ultimately achieve their dreams.”

In November 2023, the Chicago City Council approved the sale of an old Little Village fire station, located on 2358 S. Whipple St. The National Museum of Mexican Art acquired the building and is starting renovations this year, expecting to open the Yollocalli Fire Station community center in June of 2025.

Pictures of the event can be found here.