Calle Dos Cinco celebrates opening of new multicultural plaza in Historic Capitol Hill

Historic Capitol Hill marked a milestone Sept. 24 with the ribbon-cutting for a new outdoor multicultural plaza along Calle Dos Cinco. The space, located on Harvey Avenue between SW 24th and SW 25th Streets, was designed as a hub for cultural events, community gatherings and local business activity. 

The project, more than two decades in the making, reflects the district’s Hispanic heritage and its role as a center for small business in OKC. Features include colorful public art, Talavera tiles, an arched entryway, a gazebo stage, trees, decorative lighting, seating and removable bollards that allow flexibility for both celebrations and everyday use. 

Ashley Terry, Calle Dos Cinco board member and committee chair, said the plaza is the epitome of collaboration. “What you see here today is the result of neighbors, businesses, city leaders and the community coming together around a shared belief—and that is that Capitol Hill deserves a space that reflects its heritage, supports its growth and creates lasting memories for generations to come.” 

Gloria Torres, Calle Dos Cinco’s executive director, described the plaza as a place for connection. 

“This plaza is meant to be a place where individuals can connect, celebrate, and become a place of possibility,” Torres said. “We also honor the entrepreneurs and hardworking families who built their lives here, and we welcome our new families and residents from all the cultures and backgrounds. Together they bring energy, pride, and hope, restoring what could have been forgotten and imagining what is next again, Capital Hill.” 

Torres noted the idea for a plaza began nearly 20 years ago. What began with a donated lot, a sketch and community fundraising, transformed into a reality. 

“Even then we were dreaming a little small. We limited ourselves to what we had instead of what we could build,” she said. “This plaza is living proof that big dreams come true.” 

Mayor David Holt praised the persistence and patience that made the project possible. “This plaza is just another great example of that type of community action, that type of civic leadership that it takes,” Holt said. “I am certainly glad we always have these opportunities to celebrate.” 

Holt also tied the project to his vision of One OKC, the idea that every community’s voice should be represented in city decisions. He recalled the beginning of his first campaign for mayor, when he filmed a video in Capitol Hill with the phrase “We’re not finished yet.” The message, he said, reflected the ongoing need for investment and attention in neighborhoods across OKC, including Capitol Hill. 

“Incorporating diversity within the city’s decision-making processes was one of my most important priorities when I took office,” Holt said. “I certainly recognized, coming into office with a lot of communities in our city—but especially the Latino community—their dreams were not being realized. Their thoughts and passions for our city were not being brought into the conversation at City Hall.” 

Since then, Holt noted, dozens of residents from the Hispanic community and other underrepresented groups now serve on city boards. He said that as city leaders openly seek out and embrace diverse perspectives, investment decisions and public funding choices increasingly reflect the priorities of all residents. 

“We’re a city that is openly and proactively helping all the communities within our city realize their dreams,” Holt said. “I love that this is going to be a very special place for the Latino community of Oklahoma City, but also a place that will invite everyone in and let all of us enjoy the remarkable history and culture of our city’s Latino community.” 

The $2 million plaza was funded through federal dollars allocated to OKC’s Strong Neighborhoods Initiative, which targets neighborhood revitalization. Calle Dos Cinco was added to the initiative in 2018, setting the stage for the project. The Capitol Hill Business Improvement District will manage the plaza. 

The ribbon-cutting also launched the 20th anniversary of Fiestas de las Américas, the district’s signature event during Hispanic Heritage Month. On Sept. 27, Calle Dos Cinco hosted the annual parade with nearly 100 entries, food vendors, artisan markets, live music, dance and cultural performances that drew thousands of visitors. 

For Torres, the plaza reflects the resilience and growth of Capitol Hill. “This plaza reminds us that we are still one city and one community with the power to build something beautiful together,” she said. 

Torres also called on businesses and community partners to stay engaged. 

“We want you to come back often, bring your ideas, bring your joy, bring your dreams. But most of all, I want our partners, businesses, and sponsors to continue investing in this vision,” Torres said. “Your support makes it possible to create opportunities, strengthen small business and celebrate the culture that makes Capitol Hill unique. Together we can ensure this plaza grows and thrives for further generations to come.” 

About Calle Dos Cinco 

Calle Dos Cinco is the nonprofit organization that leads community and business development in Historic Capitol Hill. The group is made up of property owners, commercial tenants and community partners working to preserve the area’s heritage while supporting economic vitality. Since becoming a National Main Street District in 1997, Calle Dos Cinco has spearheaded initiatives such as the award-winning Fiestas de las Américas festival, which brings more than 20,000 visitors each year to celebrate cultural diversity in OKC.