BryMar Celebrates the Groundbreaking of La Placita with School of Arts and Culture

Breaking Ground on a Community Vision 

At BryMar CPA, we are proud to work alongside organizations that strengthen their communities and create lasting impact. That is why we were honored to attend the School of Arts and Culture’s (SOAC) groundbreaking ceremony for La Placita, an exciting new project located in East San Jose.  This milestone marks the start of construction on a long-vacant 28,000 square foot property that will soon be transformed into a vibrant community center.  

Once complete, La Placita will feature a theater, café, and family wellness center focused on cultural programming, food access, and community health—creating a space designed to support connection, creativity, and well-being for families throughout the Mayfair neighborhood. The ceremony took place at the future La Placita site, directly across the street from the Mexican Heritage Plaza, where SOAC is currently located. 

A Vision Years in the Making 

As SOAC’s auditors, BryMar has had the privilege of supporting their organization behind the scenes and seeing the dedication it takes to bring a project of this magnitude to life. SOAC CEO Jessica Paz-Cedillos delivered a heartfelt and inspiring speech, sharing how the vision for La Placita began during the uncertainty of COVID-19 in 2020.  

Jessica’s words highlighted the perseverance and belief it took to continue pushing forward, even when challenges stood in the way. Hearing her reflect on the journey made the groundbreaking feel even more meaningful—it was a celebration not only of construction, but of determination and community trust. 

An Inside Look at What’s to Come 

The event drew a large crowd of neighborhood residents, community partners, and leaders, including members of San Jose’s City Council such as Mayor Matt Mahan and Councilmember Peter Ortiz. Attendees had the unique opportunity to tour the building before construction begins and view large renderings that offered a glimpse into what La Placita will soon become.  

BryMar’s Alex Baron, Senior Auditor, and Makayla Garcia, Marketing Coordinator, were proud to represent our firm and witness this exciting milestone firsthand. “The event had a great turnout, and it was very cool to see the building, inside and out, before it gets turned into an amazing space for the neighborhood,” said Makayla. “All of the speeches were very inspirational, and you could feel the excitement in the room around the future of La Placita.” 

Standing Alongside SOAC as Trusted Auditors 

BryMar is especially proud to celebrate this moment because SOAC is a valued nonprofit client. We are grateful to serve as their auditors and to support their work through the financial integrity and compliance standards that help nonprofit organizations thrive.  

BryMar specializes in nonprofit auditing, and we understand how important transparency and accountability are for building confidence with funders,

stakeholders, and the community. Being part of SOAC’s journey is a meaningful reminder that behind every major community project is a team of people ensuring the organization has a strong foundation to continue growing. 

Looking Ahead to La Placita’s Bright Future 

La Placita is more than a construction project—it is a symbol of progress, perseverance, and hope. BryMar is thrilled to stand alongside the School of Arts and Culture as they bring this vision to life, and we cannot wait to see La Placita completed and filled with creativity, wellness, and community connection. We are proud to support SOAC and honored to play a role in their continued success. The future of La Placita is bright, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will bring to East San Jose for years to come.