Warehouse District Hispanic Heritage Month - Phoenix Then & Now

The article celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by reflecting on the historical significance of the Warehouse District in Phoenix. Located near Third Street and Buchanan, this area was vibrant with Hispanic businesses and residences in the early 1900s. Among the key establishments were the Sonorense Cafe, situated in the Gerardo Building, and Arvizu’s El Fresnel Grocery, both of which served the local Mexican-American community. The Sonorense Cafe not only offered food but also housed residential spaces for families, making it a central gathering point. Nearby, Arvizu’s El Fresnel Grocery catered to laborers who worked in the produce warehouses and lived in nearby barrios.

The Gerardo Building also held importance as it served as the Mexican Masonic Lodge for many years, further solidifying the community's cultural identity. The article highlights the significance of recognizing and preserving this heritage, particularly during Hispanic Heritage Month. It encourages readers to appreciate the contributions of the Hispanic community to Phoenix's rich history.