Gov. Kathy Hochul was in Buffalo to break ground on the new Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute.

The 37,000-square-foot site on Niagara and Hudson Streets will feature a museum and a performing arts theater. 

“This center, the first of its kind in Upstate New York, will be a beacon for the West Buffalo community and region,” Hochul said in a statement. “This beautiful setting will allow us to showcase, celebrate and share the history, culture and contributions of Western New York’s Hispanic community. I thank Cas Rodriguez and the Hispanic Heritage Council for making history by bringing history to this corner of West Buffalo through their tireless efforts and commitment that ensures this cultural institute will be celebratory, educational and interactive for today’s generation and for generations to come. I couldn’t be prouder to be the Governor that helped make today possible.”

The $30 million project is dedicated to representing Hispanic culture locally and will be completed in 2025. 

According to the governor's office, Buffalo’s Hispanic population makes up about 45,000 of the region’s 75,000 total and represents nearly two dozen Latin American countries and cultures.

Also on Friday, Hochul issued a proclamation celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in New York. The celebration goes from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.