Revitalizing Chinatown: A Community Embraces a New Pan Asian Vision

Detroit's Chinatown thrived from the 1930s to the 1950s. The community was located near Michigan Avenue and Third Street. Roland Hwang, founding member of the Chinatown Vision Committee, recalled it was a a "tight-knit" culture in an interview with WXYZ-TV.

During the 1960s, Detroit's original Chinatown yielded to an urban renewal initiative that displaced people and removed much of the character from the community. 

This year, the nonprofit Midtown Detroit Inc. is using $1 million in state budget money to fund the rebirth of Detroit's Chinatown. "We want to see this area come alive again in a way that allows the Asian culture to be fully prominent," said Maureen Stapleton, the organization's interim executive director.

Surveyors are currently working to repair Peterboro Street near Cass Avenue. Many Chinese-Americans relocated to this area of the city after the demise of the original Chinatown. Renderings of the neighborhood demonstrate the vibe that Midtown Detroit wants to introduce to Chinatown: ornamental lanterns, signage, and outdoor seating. These enhancements are set for implementation this summer.

In addition to these streetscape enhancements, a rehabbed building will soon be home to multiple Pan Asian businesses.
Chuck Inchaustegui, owner of The Peterboro, said he supports the revitalization initiatives. He envisions a diverse array of Asian businesses contributing to the new Chinatown. 

"Restaurants, I want to see, you know, some kind of Asian restaurant over there," said Inchaustegui. "You know, and any Asian business over there would be great."

For Hwang, a member of the Chinatown Vision Committee, the new Chinatown will have a distinctly Pan Asian flair. He'd love to see the greater Detroit community visit and experience it for themselves.