Millions of dollars will turn a mostly vacant East San Jose building into a cultural gem. Local advocates describe it as a vital investment to support neighborhoods where some of the city’s most vulnerable residents live.

The School of Arts and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza recently received $6 million from the Knight Foundation, a historic investment to help transform La Placita from a vacant building into a cultural community hub. Plans for the 28,000-square-foot commercial building across from the East San Jose plaza include a small theater, an affordable cafe and a food pantry. Those services will add to the Alum Rock Health Center on site, which Gardner Health Services opened this month to provide walk-in medical, dental and chiropractic care.

The funding marks the largest West

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