We’re in a race against time.
We have less than a year to acquire this building before it faces possible demolition. Help us preserve
the legacy of Cesar Chavez!
Our Financial Goals:
$43,000 for the initial purchase agreement deposit.
$4.3 million total to acquire the building.
$1.2 million for pre-development and Phase 1 to get the project underway.
Resilience and adaptation.
Echoing Austin’s past for OUR future.
About
LOCAL 4-5-6
Mission:
Local 4-5-6 is committed to transforming the historic Economy Furniture Store into a vibrant cultural hub—serving as a living monument that honors the legacy of labor rights and Cesar Chavez’s two-year strike. By offering equitable, accessible live-work spaces for artists, nonprofits, and small businesses, the project aims to cultivate cultural wealth, creativity, and community engagement. By preserving Austin's labor and cultural history, we strive to make arts and culture more accessible while promoting social justice and fostering economic resilience.
Vision:
We aim to create an inclusive, eco-conscious cultural hub where creativity, social equity, and cultural preservation converge. Locals 4- 5- 6 will integrate affordable housing, fabrication and workspaces, artisan workshops, performances, and community-centered amenities like a restaurant, coffee shop, and family-friendly courtyard. This dynamic space will serve as a cornerstone of cultural exchange, empowering future generations to build on Austin’s rich artistic and social legacy while supporting resilience, inclusion, and diversity.
History of
The Economy Furniture Store
Local 4-5-6 honors a pivotal moment in labor history, stemming from the courageous Chicano workers who organized a two-year strike initiated by Local 456 of the Upholsters International Union in 1968, championed by Cesar Chavez. This influential event left an indelible mark on labor movements across our country. It reshaped the social and cultural landscape of Texas, symbolizing the power of collective action and advocacy for workers' rights.
The 55,000+ square foot, two-story Art Deco warehouse in Austin, Texas, was constructed in the 1940s as the home of the Economy Furniture Store and stands as an emblem of Austin's industrial heritage. It played a pivotal role in Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico’s furniture manufacturing industry and later housed PANTUR INC., a wholesaler of healthcare equipment.
Be Part of Austin’s Legacy
Your support makes this vision possible. Together, let's build a space that celebrates creativity, amplifies marginalized voices, and strengthens our community. Thank you for joining us!