Three millennials launch art space

Daniel Silva, Mr. Pintamuro, and Julio Anaya are opening Te-Qu, a cultural center and exhibition space in La Villita near the iconic arch at 3126 West 26th Street.

Grand opening derailed by zoning

The team planned a July 30th launch with local officials, a DJ, and catering. One day before, the Department of Business Affairs said the property sits in a residential zone and couldn't issue a business license.

Building's complicated history

The space at 3126 West 26th Street was previously a botanica, COVID-19 testing site, barbershop, and gas station in the 1950s. County assessor records list it as commercial property on the line between residential and mixed-use zones.

Zoning classification creates confusion

The La Villita Chamber of Commerce told Te-Qu the property was in a residential zone. However, Cook County assessor data shows it classified as commercial and positioned between residential and mixed-use areas.

Founders pivot to street tactics

Unable to hold official exhibitions indoors, Silva and Anaya decided to use proven methods street vendors and artists have used for decades on 26th Street. Anaya bought clothing racks from Walmart to display t-shirts and art.

“Tuvimos que usar el viejo método de La Villita”

First pop-up draws dozens

The next day, dozens of Chicago residents showed up. The team ordered pizza for guests, and representatives from the Foundation of Little Village and state representative Edgar González came to show support.

Realization shifts their approach

Anaya said they had to go back to the drawing board. The breakthrough came when they realized they didn't need official paperwork to have their community there.

“Está bien, no tenemos el papel, pero tenemos a nuestra comunidad aquí”

Working with city on rezoning

Silva and the team refused to relocate and are now working with the city to reclassify the property's zoning. The process involves Alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez, Mayor Brandon Johnson, and the municipal rezoning committee.

Funding comes through grants

The project is funded by grants from the Department of Business Affairs and a storefront grant from the La Villita Chamber of Commerce.

Murals transform the space

While waiting for licensing, Mr. Pintamuro and other local artists have painted murals on walls inside and outside the building, turning the space into a visual gallery.

Community building matters most

Anaya said getting the license is fine, but building the bridge that brings people to the space is equally important, if not more so.

“La licencia está bien y todo, pero creo que, ultimadamente, construir y tender ese puente que trae a la gente aquí es igual de importante”

Viral cactus post boosts visibility

A video showing a utility pole painted to look like a cactus went viral. Residents are invited to add their own stickers to the pole in an effort to beautify the area.

Name rooted in Nahuatl tradition

Te-Qu comes from the Nahuatl word tequieo, meaning collective work or service within a community. Silva wants the space to be about helping each other in community service.

Artistic responsibility to community

Mr. Pintamuro thinks of a Nahuatl proverb for Te-Qu's mission: ensure the temple or place of knowledge stays as beautiful as you found it. They have responsibility as the entry point to La Villita.

“Siempre debes asegurarte de que el templo, o el lugar donde recibes el conocimiento o la medicina, esté siempre tan bonito como lo encontraste”

October opening still on track

Despite setbacks, Te-Qu plans to fully open in October with rotating murals and exhibitions featuring local artists while the rezoning process continues.

Art season arrives on South Side

While Chicago's main art week happens in the West Loop and Near West Side, Te-Qu is building its own art table on the South Side during the fall exhibition season.