Rodriguez said the proposed three-story institute, designed by Stieglitz Snyder Architecture, represents a major evolution of the organization’s scope and vision. Among other features, plans for the space propose a museum documenting the history of the local Hispanic community and a broadcast media center where Rodriguez hopes to collaborate with local outlets on radio and television segments.

There are also plans for a state-of-the-art theater to showcase music, dance and other performances by local Latino artists and companies, including the Raices Theatre Company and El Batey Dance Center. And a series of “learning labs” would host workshops and educational programs, designed in part to help address the educational attainment gap between Buffalo’s white and minority students, Rodriguez said.

David Rust, the executive director of Say Yes to Education, and Kriner Cash, superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools, are among more than a dozen local politicians and community leaders who have signed on in support of the institute.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Mr. Rodriguez voluntarily leading this important project in Buffalo,” Rust said in a statement. “Adding this center … will provide a unique opportunity to develop the next generation of civic and educational leaders.”

Rodriguez said his organization expects funding for the proposed institute to come from state and local government, as well as from local foundations, corporations and individual donors. After conversations with state and local agencies, including Empire State Development, Rodriguez said HHC is “very optimistic” it will receive the needed public funds. A capital campaign will also launch June 22.