macsa UPDATE
On August 29, 2025, MACSA, a space that has held our community’s stories, culture, and strength for generations, was engulfed in flames. For so many of us, this building was more than just bricks and mortar. It stood as a powerful symbol of resilience, hope, and home. A true East Side San José landmark. To lose it this way is deeply heartbreaking.
Although we are saddened by the fire at MACSA, we are grounded in gratitude for the ways our community has shown up. From gathering for a vigil to raising our voices at the emergency Alum Rock Union School District (ARUSD) Board meeting, you have made it clear: MACSA matters.
ARUSD UPDATE
On August 30, 2025, the Alum Rock Union School District (ARUSD) Board held an emergency vote to demolish MACSA. The ARUSD board voted unanimously to approve the resolution declaring an emergency at MACSA. This resolution authorizes emergency site assessment, demolition, and remediation work.
While this decision moves us into a new phase, our commitment has not wavered. SOMOS Mayfair, the School of Arts & Culture, the Si Se Puede Collective and the MACSA Coalition Partners remain deeply committed to rebuilding MACSA into a space that truly serves East San José.
NEXT STEPS
Rebuild MACSA
Rebuilding MACSA will take resources. We created the Rebuild MACSA Fund to help sustain the work that is needed through our efforts to rebuild MACSA.
All funds will go towards The Mayfair Neighborhood Trust (MNT), which is a community-led effort co-founded by SOMOS and the School of Arts and Culture to prevent displacement and ensure development in East San José reflects community priorities.
No matter how you contribute, whether donating $1, showing up at board meetings, or spreading the word, it will take all of us to ensure East San José families have the resources and space they deserve.
Join Us!
Stay Connected
Stay up to date with everything MACSA, we encourage you to:
Follow Us on Social Media
Fill out MACSA Interest form
MACSA Video Series
In partnership with School of Arts and Culture at MHP, we created a video series highlighting the importance of MACSA and our collective efforts to now rebuild it. We'll be showcasing a new part every couple of weeks, so we encourage you to stay tuned as well as sharing these videos to bring more awareness.
Special thanks to School of Arts and Culture at MHP and our amazing collaborators: ¡Sí Se Puede! Collective, Center for Employment Training, Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence, East San Jose PEACE Partnership, and Concrete Rose Coalition
MEDIA COVERAGE
East San Jose school district waits for burned youth center assessment
By Lorraine Gabbert
After fire, Alum Rock organizers fight to save treasured San Jose community hub
By Kyle Martin
Realizan vigilia frente al edificio MACSA tras voraz incendio en San José
By Flavio Lacayo
San Jose activists seek rebuild of MACSA building after fire
By John Ramos
Large fire destroys vacant former youth center in San Jose that community members wanted to restore
By Zach Fuentes and Lauren Martinez
Apoyan reconstrucción de MACSA tras voraz incendio en San José
By Johanna Ochoa
Future of East San Jose youth center uncertain after fire
By Lorraine Gabbert
Continúa lucha para evitar demolición de lo que era el Centro Juvenil MACSA en San José
By Flavio Lacayo