Boston, MA Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA) marked a historic milestone with the beam signing and raising for La CASA: The Center for Arts, Self-determination and Activism. Accompanying the ceremony was the announcement of a $1 million matching gift from Barbara and Amos Hostetter.

Anticipated to open in 2026, La CASA is a 26,000 s/f, $33 million project set to become a hub for Latino cultural preservation and community empowerment. Community leaders, philanthropists, financial partners, staff and artists, and residents and neighbors attended the ceremony to celebrate the progression of the project that will soon serve as a focal point for community engagement, arts education, and cultural expression.

Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, IBA’s CEO, said, “This beam represents more than a significant milestone in the construction of La CASA – it represents our commitment to real, lasting change for Latinos and multicultural communities across Boston, Massachusetts, and New England. Latino-led organizations often face disparities in funding, and today the Hostetter’s are helping to change that narrative with this historic $1 million matching gift. This gift is a powerful step toward ensuring that our communities have the resources they need to lead, grow, and reach their full potential. It’s an investment in empowerment and in the power of the arts to build strong communities and uplift future generations. I hope people will be inspired to join us in matching this important gift and support La CASA Campaign.”

The Campaign for La CASA, a first ever campaign for IBA, has already secured $9.5 million of its $12.5 million philanthropic fundraising goal. These contributions reflect the deep commitment from donors, partners, and supporters to preserve Latino culture and empower residents through access to wrap-around community programming.

The new space will allow IBA to expand its program offerings and operational capacity at a central location, and to redevelop its current offices into more than 40 units of affordable housing units, addressing a critical need in Boston.

La CASA will offer programs that support individuals and families to improve their lives and achieve socio-economic mobility in the IBA’s multicultural affordable housing community. Through its signature arts programs there will be a broad range of programming including dance, music, visual arts, and theater workshops, as well as exhibitions, performances, and cultural events.

Aixa Beauchamp and Thomas Melendez, La CASA campaign co-chairs, said, “We are deeply grateful for the generosity of the Hostetter’s $1 million challenge grant, which not only accelerates our goal, but also sends a clear message: when we invest in our community, we invest in real, transformative change. This challenge grant is a powerful call to action, and I encourage others to join us in this mission. By matching this gift, we can amplify our impact and ensure that La CASA becomes a thriving hub for empowerment, creativity, and opportunity. Together, we can create a legacy that uplifts and strengthens our community for generations to come.

Mayra Negrón-Roche, IBA’s chief operating officer said, “Today, we celebrate not just a milestone in the construction process, but a milestone in our shared vision for a brighter, more equitable future. Together, we are building more than a structure – we are creating a headquarters that will inspire, uplift and empower generations to come while preserving and celebrating Latino culture.” 

Rafael Pérez Medina, IBA’s chief program officer said, “This ceremony is more than about a structure element; it is a symbol of the foundation of opportunities that we have been building together for many, many years. La CASA will serve as a vital hub where our residents, neighbors and partners come together to foster growth, innovation, and pathways for success in our community. It’s a celebration of culture and advancement.”

The beam signing and raising ceremony took place in Boston’s South End neighborhood at 85 West Newton St., La CASA’s future location. The gathering was attended by leading funders, supporters, residents, IBA board members and IBA resident ambassadors. Notable attendees included Maureen Bleday, CEO of the Yawkey Foundation; Alicia Verity, chief program officer for the Yawkey Foundation; Bob Rivers, executive chair and chair of the board of directors of Eastern Bank; Jim Canales, president of the Barr Foundation; Carmen Plazas, director of the Elias Torres Foundation; Omaira Alicea, senior grants manager and vice president at State Street Foundation State Foundation; Ruthzee Louijeune, Boston city council president and city councilor at-large; and Julia Mejia, city councilor at-large, Isabella Loboa-Velasquez, staff assistant and liaison for La Comunidad Latina for senator Markey’s office, and Elizabeth Cochran-Hunt from representative John Moran’s office. 

Upon completion in 2026, IBA will celebrate La CASA with a grand opening, which will include a series of community activations.