A fresh new community hub in the heart of Centro.
By Sheila Madsen, February 2026…all the events are on HoLA’s website. Just click here for full calendar.
When you meet Kellie Peterson for the first time you are struck by two things: her bright blue flashing eyes and an attitude that clearly says “I like to get things done.” And wow, did she ever get the HoLA Maz Community Center done in record time. HoLA = Home of Learning and Arts. As we toured the space, stepping around paint cans, cords and ladders, Kelly told me that she had looked at several locations. The moment she saw this one she said ,“I’ll take it”. That’s Kellie.
The more than 2000 square feet felt familiar. Upstairs, downstairs, the large wooden staircase – of course I’ve had coffee here before. It was the former Sole Mar Coffee shop. The Mexican owners were delighted to rent to Kellie because they knew it would become an important hub.
I wanted to know more about Kellie, her background and her vision so we headed upstairs to the boardroom, away from the all the workers. Her years in the tech industry have given her the ability to speak concisely, politely, respectfully and fast. She’s from Chicago. Boom! She and her wife Jenn have been together for 15 years. Boom! She’s lived in Mazatlan for two years. Boom! Kellie insists on total financial transparency and plans to issue reports every month. Boom!
This is a woman with a clear plan and a vision: to offer a place where people can genuinely connect, support one another, and feel a sense of belonging. Her goal was to create a space that feels open, human, and approachable — not a club, not a business, but a shared resource shaped by the people who use it.
Back on the street level, the entire area is all air conditioned, handicap accessible with modern bathrooms. This is where visitors arrive and from there you move into the theater and movie space with flexible seating for large or small audiences. Yes, there’s a stage, mics, lighting and everything a speaker or a performer might need. Kellie envisions showing Indi movies live theater performances and game nights – trivia? There’s also a wet and dry studio space for artists who don’t have room in their home, plus a sewing area with four stations. This space is bursting with potential – really anything you can imagine.
Connie Beswick, volunteer greeter, Monday to Friday, 10:30 – 4 pm.
Upstairs the area has a different vibe. It is also fully air conditioned and will be an oasis during the humid summer months. If something lively is happening downstairs, there’s a side entrance on 5 de Mayo so yogis and Thai Chi students can slip in quietly and head to the movement room. Next door is a co-working space complete with proper business center: work stations for your laptop or tablet. Remember, Kellie comes from the tech sector so she wired the entire space with the fastest and best Giganet. If you need quiet time, this may become your favourite corner in Centro. And finally, there is a large air -conditioned boardroom available to everyone. Like any business center you just need to book your station and the boardroom ahead of time – or drop in and see what’s available.
Ann Tucker, your game hostess.
HoLA Maz Community Center is a non -profit organization powered by volunteers, drop in users and membership fees. The fee structure will evolve organically as the community grows.
Kellie sums it up this way: “HoLA is meant to be a space where people of different ages, cultures, and life experiences feel comfortable walking through the door, whether they are new to Mazatlán or have lived here for decades. The atmosphere is intentionally informal, warm, and grounded in respect. Visitors are encouraged not only to attend events, but to contribute ideas, skills, and energy. The center succeeds when it becomes a place people feel ownership of, not just a place they visit. It is a place to gather, listen, share, and build something meaningful together.”
P.S. About the yoga. The movement area. Simply the best – large windows, letting fresh air and sunlight in. Smooth tile floor, wall spaces to stretch, lights on, light dimmed. Fully air conditioned when needed. Quiet, peaceful, and place to inhale and exhale. Sandra is a lovely, respectful teacher who watches all the students which I appreciated – and I asked her to correct me, and she did. Yoga at HoLA is on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at 9 am. Saturdays are a “softer” class. Bring your own mat, Sandra provides blocks and restful music. $70 drop in fee, or if you are a member, there is a different fee structure. HoLA makes a point of opening the doors around 8:30 am. so you can go upstairs, unfurl your mat and relax.
[HoLA Maz is located in Centro, on 5 de Mayo #1602 at the corner of 21 de Marzo, a large white building, you can’t miss the sign. For now, it will be open Monday to Friday from 10:30 am. to 4 pm. If you wish to donate, volunteer, rent the space, sing, dance, sew, paint, greet people, teach English, contact Kellie Peterson, WhatsApp, +52 55 2535 3292. Modern bathrooms both upstairs and downstairs. MazatlanLife’s calendar will be listing all the events at HoLA Maz.]