Last year, the Chinese Merchant Association building at 3143 Cass Avenue was demolished. The 140-year-old building was a loss especially to the Asian community; over time it served as a residence for Chinese immigrants, a social and recreation club for the Asian community, and was the home of American Citizens for Justice.
Efforts in preserving what little is left of the city's Chinatown district has led to $1 million in funding in the state budget, presented to Midtown Detroit Inc. in a ceremony this week. Plans include a new gateway for the historic district, outdoor dining and lighting, new landscaping, along with art and cultural historic references to the Chinese American community.
“We have begun a transformation process in an area of our city which possesses rich Chinese history and culture,” said Maureen Stapleton, Interim Executive Director of Midtown Detroit, Inc. “Through the hard work of state Senator Stephanie Chang and other local community leaders, Midtown Detroit, Inc. has been allocated a generous $1 million investment. This will allow us to revitalize and beautify the streetscape on Peterboro Street and Cass Avenue, preserving the Chinese American historical significance of the neighborhood.”
The building on the south side of Peterboro, which used to be home to Chung's, was sold last year and is under construction right now. In the future, it will be home to three new Asian restaurants.
“Detroit’s Chinatown has a vibrant history that must not be forgotten and is embedded in a neighborhood eager for more community-driven investment and improved quality of life,” said Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit). “This new state funding is a crucial step in preserving Chinatown’s rich history for our local Chinese American and Asian American community as well as Detroiters. I want to thank the many community partners and local AAPI leaders who have long been tireless advocates for revitalizing Detroit’s Chinatown, fighting to ensure its legacy will live on for future generations to come.”
