The last time I visited the Chinese Cultural Center was way back in 2009 so a few months ago, I decided to stop and take a look around.
I was shocked that so many of the businesses had closed.
Recently I heard on the news that the property was sold to True North Corporation and they had plans to remodel and convert to a business center and corporate headquarters.
That news has come as a shock to the Asian community who don't want to lose the center's gardens and cultural aesthetics.
The last I've heard about what is happening was back in August when a news report said that the new owner and the Arizona Asian Alliance were trying to negotiate a compromise.
It certainly would be a shame to lose such an iconic center and it's beautiful architecture. I do hope they can work something out. There used to be an Asian grocery store on the site that had a wonderful selection of Asian foods that you couldn't purchase anywhere else.
10 comments:
It is heartbreaking when something like this happens.
Hopefully they'll come up with a compromise. Seems like maybe they could remodel the business space but preserve the architecture and gardens?
There's got to be a way, hopefully, to ensure the ongoing life of this Asian community ... a way to bring new life to the businesses which had such a hard time sustaining themselves. Unfortunately, these days it seems to be all about the money and profits. We sure as hell don't need another business center and corporate headquarters! Why is it that I think if this was Toronto or Ottawa or some other major Canadian city, the city would step in and make it part of their cultural heritage and give it new life? The city would also probably make it the center of an annual Chinese festival.
Okay, I'll quit now! :)
It would be awful to lose this place! I hope a compromise can be made. It is beautiful!
That is sad, Sharon! Let's hope they find a way to retain all of the beauty there.
This is a beautiful place and an important one to the Chinese culture. Hopefully they can work something out. You'll have to keep us posted on what happens.
Thanks for sharing these photos of this centre as it certainly is impressive. Hoping a solution is reached.
It would be a shame to lose it.
Hopefully people power will come into play here Sharon, if enough people speak up in protest this important centre might be safe.. hopefully ✨
Oh no! It's too bad. It was giving such a lively color and place to the immediate area.
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