The Endangered 8: 2025
San José's Most Threatened Architectural and Cultural Landmarks
MACSA Youth Center
Location:
660 Sinclair Drive
Date:
Built 1995
Architect:
Steve Yang and Associates
Threat:
Neglect, Redevelopment
A “Save MACSA” coalition led by the Eastside community organizations SOMOS Mayfair and the Sí Se Puede Collective have twice succeeded in postponing the proposed demolition of this once-vibrant but long-vacant youth center founded in 1995 by the Mexican-American Community Services Agency (MACSA). The coalition is seeking to partner with the site’s current owner, the Alum Rock Union School District (ARUSD), to rehabilitate and reopen the distinctively Aztec-inspired building to once again provide vital educational, recreational, vocational, cultural, and healthcare services to the surrounding Mayfair community. However, ARUSD is facing extreme budget deficits and views the vacant structure primarily as a financial liability and safety hazard. Significant philanthropic investment will likely be needed to ensure that the building survives to stand as a beacon of hope for a new generation of East San José youth and families.
MEDIA COVERAGE
San Jose Spotlight, "A future worth investing in," April 11, 2025
San Jose Spotlight, "East San Jose community aims to restore youth center," March 14, 2025
San Jose Spotlight, "East San Jose school district seeks partner to save former youth center," Feb. 13, 2024
San Jose Spotlight, "San Jose teacher housing prompts demolition of former youth center," Jan. 20, 2024
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