DETROIT – It was a year ago Tuesday when the Chinese Merchant Association building in Detroit was demolished, a devastating blow to the Chinese American community.
Fast forward 365 days, and there’s hope that Chinatown is making a comeback in the form if a revitalization project.
“Well, it’s about time,” Martin SooHoo said. “I’m glad to see it happen.”
Decades ago, Chinatown in Detroit was a big deal. After years of eyesores and blight, a new renovation to Peterboro Street is in the works.
“The first step in revitalizing this Chinatown area is to do some streetscapes that are appropriate culturally,” said Maureen Stapleton, the interim executive director of Midtown Detroit Inc. “When you walk and you drive you will see Chinese American culture and begin to restore this area one step at a time.”
Senators Stephanie Chang, Sara Anthony, and Mary Cavanaugh are all coming together to celebrate the million-dollar renovation to Chinatown.
“It’s been really incredible over the past year, and before then, as well, to be able to hear the stories of folks who grew up in Detroit’s Chinatown, who have all these amazing memories,” Chang said. “I really want to see the future of this street incorporate some of those elements, as well as serve the needs of the community that’s right here.”
Once a vibrant part of Chinese American culture, Chinatown is currently a shell of its former self. In about a year, ornaments will be added, extensive street scape work will be improved to show the culture as it once was, and a popular restaurant will be remodeled.
“I’m really excited,” Chang said. “I think this has the opportunity to be meaningful for Detroit, for the Asian-American community, as well as be an example of our preservation, too.”