GoFundMe Launched to Save Queen Bee’s Cultural Center in North Park

For nearly 16 years, Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center in North Park has been a haven for local artists, providing a space where creativity knows no bounds under the guidance of its owner and director, Alma Rodriguez.

But now, Queen Bee’s is facing a threat to its very existence — and the community is being called upon to help save this cherished cultural space.

Last summer, the center’s fate took a turn when Allen Hitch, the owner of the building at 3925 Ohio Street, passed away. Hitch was a friend and mentor to Rodriguez and together they dreamed of the building remaining the home of Queen Bee’s far beyond both of their lifetimes, organizers said.

In the wake of legal agreements after Hitch’s death, the building has been sold to developers who plan to turn it into townhomes, according to the Queen Bee’s team.

As a result, Rodriguez and her supporters are working to have the building recognized for its historical significance by the city, which could grant it an official designation. This status could protect the building from redevelopment, allowing Queen Bee’s to continue operating in its beloved home.

To cover costs of the required historical report and filing fees, $15,000 must be raised. Beyond that, the Queen Bee’s team is seeking additional funds to help Rodriguez in her fight to keep the center by moving to another location. 

Queen Bee’s held a press conference this week to announce a fundraiser supporting both a historical designation effort and relocation.

For more information or to contribute, the center’s GoFundMe page can be viewed here.

This is not the first time the community has rallied to save Queen Bee’s, according to the team. In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the venue to close temporarily, supporters came together to ensure it would reopen.