The impact the Cortez family of Mi Tierra has had on San Antonio is beyond measure. It’s fair to say that this city would not be what it is today if not for the philanthropic efforts of the Cortez family. The code, or mission, to honor God by honoring the vision of the founders, valuing family and preserving their culture, lives on through each subsequent generation.
Their vision isn’t just about creating a life for the family, but also about celebrating and preserving their Mexican roots and culture, which can be experienced not just through the music, food and hospitality at their restaurants, but throughout the community. Simple yet profound expressions like the alters, called ofrendas, they create to honor family and friends is just one example.
“My grandfather [Pedro] was born in Guadalajara in 1918 and came to the states in 1928. Recently, my aunt was going through old boxes and found his immigrant identification card, issued at the age of 10, through the Port of Laredo,” shared Pete Cortez, son of Jorge Cortez and oldest of the third generation. “The mercado [Market Square] reminded him so much of where he came from.”
After the depression of the market in the 70s due to the advent of grocery stores, when the produce companies relocated, Pedro had the vision of renovating Market Square to reflect the market of his childhood in Guadalajara, called San Pedro Tlaquepaque, which still exists today and features the largest indoor market in Latin America.
Significantly, San Antonio’s historic Market Square has grown to become the largest Mexican market in the United States and is also home to Centro De Artes, a Latin-focused museum. The original museum gallery, called The Museo Alameda, was started by Jorge in partnership with the City of San Antonio, and in honor of his father. It was the largest Latino museum in America and the first formal Smithsonian affiliate outside of Washington D.C.
The success of Zona Cultural is also largely attributed to the Cortez family. Zona Cultural is a 44-block historic district on the western edge of downtown and defined as “a crossroads of culture, commerce and community; a destination celebrating the story of San Antonio through music, food, culture and more.”
“Lots of work has gone into this in the last 30 to 40 years and we’re finally seeing it come to fruition. This has been a lifetime achievement, something my grandmother started back in the 40s, and to think it all stems from Mi Tierra and a little three-table restaurant stall. Through that, it’s helped generate all that you’re starting to see on the west end of downtown San Antonio,” said Pete.
Pete is also one of the board members of the Alameda Theatre, carrying the torch of his family’s passion and interest in preserving this extraordinary 1940s theatre, a consequential piece of the city’s history. Much work and more funding are still needed, but renovations are anticipated to be completed by 2026.
The infinite influences of the Cortez family, both small and large but always humbly, can and will always be felt and appreciated by the Alamo City.
