As Latinx Unidos (LU) enters its thirtieth year at Augustana, spirits are high for both the upcoming celebrations and the new renovations to Casa Latina. One of the culture houses on campus, Casa Latina is the home of Latinx Unidos, a group centered around the celebration and education of Latinx culture and identity.
President of Latinx Unidos, junior Alexxa Soto Cocallazo, is pleased with the renovations and the effect it has had on Casa Latina.
“We would look at it and be like, this is our home, and it looks kind of dingy and old,” Soto Cocallazo said. “But now it looks really pretty, and I’m really happy we got some renovations.”
These are the first renovations to be done to Casa Latina in recent years. Originally, the group was located near Abbey Art Studios, but was relocated to its current location near the Gerber Dining Center as the Augustana campus continues to grow.
Parts of the renovation of Casa Latina included fresh paint to the outer walls and the demolition of the front porch, which had previously been a hazard to those entering. In its place are new steps leading to the front door.
“It was slanted downward, and that was a huge problem,” Soto Cocallazo said. “Especially in winter when there was black ice, people were praying they wouldn’t bust an ankle.”
Junior Emilio Rodriguez, the culture house coordinator, hopes that the porch will someday be expanded again for the group.
“It was a nice place that people could gather and watch from,” Rodriguez said. “We adapt, but it is missed.”
Junior Josie Ramirez, vice president of LU, says Casa Latina is important to all the members of the group.
“We call her Casita because it’s just like that home away from home,” Ramirez said. “Somewhere we can recreate memories and build new ones during our college experience.”
The house serves as a meeting place for the group as well as the center of attention for different Latinx events such as the recent Noche de Dramas.
Members of LU say they are very excited for the newly-done exterior, as it is the first part of Casa Latina you will see as you walk by. The group hopes to have Casa Latina look every bit as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside.
The group is planning on having planted flowers in the front yard in the future in order to brighten up their house’s exterior.
The renovations of the house were made possible by Augustana College, a large portion of the funds came from the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and its sponsors, as well as alumni donations towards Latinx Unidos.
These renovations came just in time as Latinx Unidos is planning events to celebrate their thirtieth anniversary at Augustana and Hispanic Heritage month, which this year lasts from Friday, Sept. 15 to Sunday, Oct. 15.
Upcoming events include a night of food and music at their Cafe con Chisme, as well as a gala with alumni to celebrate the group’s 30 year mark. As LU continues to expand at Augustana, they continue to honor their history on campus while looking forward to their future.