Introduction
Jaime Miranda opened the M&M Marketplace (M&M) in '01 to empower immigrant entrepreneurs to succeed. Today, M&M is a small businesses incubator, prioritizing education and low-barrier entry to enterprise ownership for Latinos and immigrants. Jaime's vision of uniting families through recreation, gathering and food is reminiscent of a nostalgic Latin American mercado.
In '22, Hillsboro Parks & Recreation (HP&R) and M&M began a concept design study with Opsis Architecture (Opsis) to explore enhancing M&M, its futsal facility and surroundings. These spaces need improvements, added amenities, and gathering spaces to offer an equitable experience for users and elevate diverse programming. Through 10 engagement sessions, we co-designed 29 interventions and focused on culturally sensitive solutions, respectful of diverse traditions and designs that strengthen the vibrancy of M&M. To date, HP&R replaced the turf in M&M’s futsal arena and using Federal ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021) funds, HP&R is installing a mural overlooking the Plaza. Our next project includes carving space from the parking lot to create a multi-use plaza, including a canopy, garden, play space and stage. While HP&R explores federal, state and private funding, and partnership opportunities to create the Plaza, the visibility and support of the GC2022 helps us accelerate this process and bring the plaza design to the next stage.
Impact
Hillsboro, a sanctuary city located 30km west of Portland, Oregon is a diverse community that embraces agricultural roots and global technology innovations. The population is 30% Latino and Spanish speaking and over 10% of the population is foreign born.
In 2019, the City of Hillsboro designated its first Cultural Arts District (CAD) - a consolidation of cultural/artistic assets that contribute to a vibrant, creative and thriving community. The shared priority of the M&M Marketplace and the City of Hillsboro Cultural Arts District led to the designation of the M&M Marketplace as one of 3 hubs in the Cultural Arts District- elevating the reputation of the M&M Marketplace as a provider of cultural arts in the Hillsboro community.
A new performative space for M&M is now critical for maintaining performing arts in Hillsboro, while bringing the community together in celebration of cultural diversity. This past summer a temporary performance structure was erected to host a 10-week world music festival called 'El Sol'. El Sol drew audiences of several hundred each Saturday and served as a welcoming entry to multi-cultural celebration for all Hillsboro community members. With the construction of the plaza, the ability to program year-round multi-cultural celebrations would be realized in a location that is already trusted among our community's most diverse populations.
Core team
Our core team includes different skills and life experiences, all coming together to support M&M’s value. Our team includes:
Jaime Miranda is the core of our team. He and his family are ideal partners as their work enhances the community and directly aligns with HP&R’s mission. By supporting Jaime in the actualization of M&M’s mission, HP&R amplifies their own. Jaime’s wife, sister, and several family members, support M&M and our partnership.
The second entity in our partnership is HP&R, led by Dave Miletich, HP&R Director. HP&R prioritizes equitable services and programs and empowers community members to share their diverse perspectives through thoughtful engagement. HP&R shares the talent of Dave Miletich, CAD Manager Bridie Harrington, Project Manager Karla Antonini and Engagement Supervisor, Sarah Delepine.
The third branch of our partnership is the Portland-based firm, Opsis Architecture. The relationship between HP&R and Opsis spans decades and is built on trust. Opsis contributes the talents of Joe Baldwin, Partner, and Associate Architects Nada Maani, Carolyn Kerr and Marta Petteni (A--D Board member.)
The final element of our partnership is the Hillsboro community and community leaders. A steering committee comprised of 20 members and leaders was recommended by Jaime and assembled monthly in 2022 to distill engagement data and make recommendations for enhancements. In addition, the larger M&M community, which includes vendors, visitors, and users, were engaged throughout the process.
Image gallery
Photo of HP
image: public domain
i
Drawing of themes identified through community engagement
image: public domain
i
The El Sol Multi-cultural music festival featuring Bollywood Dancers
image: public domain
i
M&M, HP&R and Opsis presenting together at an Oregon state-wide Diversity Conference. The topic was: Strategic Partnerships to Enhance DEI
image: public domain
i
Photo of freshly laid turf in the 3 court futsal arena at the M&M Marketplace.
image: public domain
i
Technical drawings
Axon image of current 'plaza' and future plaza
image: public domain
i
This Axon shows the different moments throughout a walk around M&M that would be affected by planned design interventions
image: public domain
i
Rendering of the entry into the plaza being fully utilized by community members. Image includes fence art to boost the M&M Marketplace Identity
image: public domain
i
Axon and Rendering of plaza space, including community garden, food trucks, dining area, ground mural, entertainment stage and community garden with natural play area
image: public domain
i
Outline of the 29 different recommended design interventions identified in our completed Concept Design study. The 6 interventions at the plaza are highlighted in red.
image: public domain
i
Birds eye view of the M&M Marketplace and surrounding area. The plaza is identified in red.
image: public domain
i
