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Pui Tak Center

January 01, 1970

The Pui Tak Center (Chinese: 培德中心; Jyutping: pui4 dak1 zung1 sam1; Cantonese Yale: Pùihdāk Jūngsām; pinyin: Péidé Zhōngxīn; lit. 'cultivating virtue center'), formerly known as the On Leong Merchants Association Building, is a building located in Chicago's Chinatown. Designed by architects Christian S. Michaelsen and Sigurd A. Rognstad, the building was built for the On Leong Merchants Association and opened in 1928. The Association used it as an immigrant assistance center, and the building was informally referred to as Chinatown's "city hall". In 1988, the FBI and Chicago Police raided the building as part of a racketeering investigation. The US federal government seized the building that same year.

Pui Tak Center
Pui Tak Center
Former namesOn Leong Merchants Association Building
General information
Architectural styleOrientalism
LocationChinatown, Chicago
Address2216 S. Wentworth Avenue
Current tenantsVarious
Construction started1926
Completed1927
InauguratedMay 2, 1928
Renovated1995 (interior)
2009–2010 (exterior)
Cost$1 million
Renovation cost$1 million (interior)
$2 million (exterior, projected)
OwnerChinese Christian Union Church
Technical details
Floor count3
Floor area30,000 sq ft (2,800 m2)
Design and construction
Architect(s)Christian S. Michaelsen
Sigurd A. Rognstad
Official name
On Leong Merchants Association Building
DesignatedDecember 1, 1993

The building was purchased by the Chinese Christian Union Church (CCUC) for $1.4 million and renamed the Pui Tak Center in 1993. That same year, the On Leong Merchants Association Building was designated a Chicago landmark by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. The CCUC spent $1 million raised from community donations to renovate and update the building's neglected interior. The Pui Tak Center now hosts various religious, community, and educational programs, such as English-as-a-Second-Language courses (ESL).

In 2007, the Pui Tak Center won a $100,000 grant from the Partners in Preservation, a program sponsored by American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In preparation for the restoration work, the structural and architectural engineering firm Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates completed an evaluation of the building's eastern and southern facades, focusing on its terra cotta portions. Restoration work began in spring 2009 and was completed in early 2010. Fully restoring the building's exterior terra cotta pieces and clay roof tiles is the first step in a long-range $2 million repair plan.

History edit

 
A building was first constructed for the On Leong Chinese Merchants Association along Cermak Avenue in 1912.

In 1912, Chinese businesses began relocating from the Loop to Chicago's South Side.[1] Starting this trend, the On Leong Chinese Merchants Association appealed to deed-holder and former Illinois State's Attorney Jacob J. Kern to hire architect H. J. Swanson to design a building large enough to house 15 stores, 30 apartments and office space on the 200 block of West 22nd Street (now Cermak Road).[2] Built in 1912 for $200,000, the building's design was typical of the period; however, it featured white tile trim adorned with Chinese dragons and a third floor balcony.[2] The Association relocated to the building's third floor by 1914.[1][2]

In the 1920s, Chinese community leaders secured approximately 50 ten-year leases on properties in the newly developing Chinatown.[3] Jim Moy, director of the Association, then decided that a Chinese-style building should be constructed as a strong visual announcement of the Chinese community's new presence in the area.[3][4] With no Chinese-born architects in Chicago at the time, Chicago-born Norse architects Christian S. Michaelsen and Sigurd A. Rognstad were asked to design the On Leong Merchants Association Building in the spring of 1926.[5] Moy decided to employ the pair again after Michaelsen and Rognstad's firm built Moy's Peacock Inn in Uptown in 1920.[4]

After studying texts on Chinese architecture,[3] Michaelsen and Rognstad's final design was an example of Orientalism, a Western architect's interpretation of Chinese architectural forms.[6] A good substitute for the liu li glazed ceramic found in traditional Chinese architecture, Rognstad designed exterior Teco sculptural accents, a type of terra cotta produced by Crystal Lake, Illinois's American Terra Cotta Company.[4][7] When the building plans were announced in the Chicago Tribune on July 4, 1926, the building was called, "One of the most expensive and elaborate buildings ever erected in America by the Chinese".[5] Construction began in 1926 and was completed a year later for the cost of $1 million.[6][8]

When the building opened in 1928, the On Leong Merchants Association used it as an immigrant assistance center that housed various meeting halls, a school, a shrine, and the Association's offices.[9][10] It was often informally referred to as Chinatown's "city hall".[3] In 1941, the On Leong Association offered Reverend John T.S. Mao space in the building to open St. Therese Chinese Catholic School, a Catholic grade school. By the 1950s, the school had become overcrowded, but it remained in the building until construction of a new, devoted school building was completed in 1961.[11]

Seizure and sale edit

 
The building features exterior terra cotta accents, mimicking glazed ceramic found in traditional Chinese architecture.

In the mid-1960s, prosecutors began claiming the building was a national headquarters for a multimillion-dollar racketeering operation.[9] On April 20, 1988, the FBI and Chicago police Internal Affairs Division investigators raided the On Leong Merchants Association Building, confiscated gambling paraphernalia from a casino hidden on the building's second floor and seized $350,000 from a vault.[12][13] Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Scully asserted that the Association had collected $6 million in illegal gambling profits between 1966 and 1988.[14] The building was seized by the US federal government two months later under federal racketeering statutes.[15] Other than several first-floor shops, the building sat empty for almost five years. Rooms on the upper floors fell into disrepair, with paint peeling and faded ornamentation in pieces on the floor.[16]

After a unanimous voice vote by a City Council committee, the Commission on Chicago Landmarks designated the On Leong Merchants Association Building as a Chicago Landmark on December 1, 1993, the only such landmark in Chinatown.[10][13] It has been described as Chicago’s "most significant symbol of the cultural heritage of the Chinese".[17] That same year, the Chinese Christian Union Church (CCUC) bought the building from the government for $1.4 million.[9] The CCUC now uses the newly named Pui Tak Center to host religious, community, and educational programs such as family literacy classes, music programs, computer courses, and youth activities, with English-as-a-Second-Language courses (ESL) being the Center's largest program.[17][18] Recent Chinese immigrants can also visit the Center for assistance with everyday needs. Serving approximately 2,500 new immigrants annually, the Center's annual $1.5 million operating budget is partially funded by state and local government grants and private donations.[18]

Renovation and restoration edit

 
Scaffolding was erected along the building's eastern facade during restoration work in 2009.

After purchasing the building in 1993, the Chinese Christian Union Church spent $1 million raised from community donations to make extensive alterations to the building's interior, which suffered from peeling paint, falling plaster, and poor lighting.[6][19] The On Leong Merchants Association's former vault was converted into a closet,[19] and the building's heating and water systems underwent major renovations and replacement.[16] Renovations were completed in 1995, and the CCUC opened the building in November.[20]

In November 2007, the Pui Tak Center won a $100,000 grant from the Partners in Preservation, a program sponsored by American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Spreading the word via e-mail, Facebook, and church sermons, the building led the five-week-long online contest from the start and ultimately received 14% of the vote.[21] It received more votes than any of the other 24 historic Chicago sites participating in the contest, including the Robie House, the Chicago Cultural Center, and Unity Temple.[22]

In preparation for the restoration work, the structural and architectural engineering firm Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates completed an evaluation of the building's eastern and southern facades, focusing on its terra cotta portions. By using ultrasonic testing, engineers were able to evaluate the state of the terra cotta without further damaging the pieces. Severely cracked or damaged pieces were partially removed and a report was written from these findings. This report provided recommendations for the masonry facade and terra cotta repair work.[23] Restoration work began in spring 2009 and is scheduled for completion in early 2010. All of the damaged terra cotta elements have been replaced on the south tower and parapet, and scaffolding has been erected on building's eastern facade in preparation for further restoration work.[17] Fully restoring the building's exterior terra cotta pieces and clay roof tiles is the first step in a long-range $2 million repair plan.[21]

Notes edit

  1. ^ a b Chun 2005, p. 56.
  2. ^ a b c . Chinese-American Museum of Chicago. July 14, 2005. Archived from the original on October 25, 2008. Retrieved October 7, 2009.
  3. ^ a b c d Leroux, Charles (January 6, 2002). "Still Standing - Living links to a rich history of commerce and culture". Chicago Tribune. Newsbank. Retrieved August 10, 2009.
  4. ^ a b c Ho 2005, p. 58.
  5. ^ a b . Chinese Christian Union Church. Archived from the original on June 25, 2008. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  6. ^ a b c . Chinese-American Museum of Chicago. August 7, 2005. Archived from the original on October 25, 2008. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  7. ^ Sinkevitch 2004, p. 371.
  8. ^ Russick, John (January 10, 2010). . Chicago History Museum. Archived from the original on February 22, 2011. Retrieved May 11, 2010.
  9. ^ a b c Herrmann, Andrew (November 17, 1995). "Chinese Church Gives Landmark A Rebuilt Image - Notorious Site Gets New Name - And Mission". Chicago Sun-Times. Newsbank. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  10. ^ a b . City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development. Archived from the original on March 2, 2010. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  11. ^ . St. Therese Chinese Catholic Mission. Archived from the original on October 15, 2009. Retrieved October 8, 2009.
  12. ^ O'Connor, Phillip J. (April 22, 1988). "Raid seeks to link gambling, cops". Chicago Sun-Times. Newsbank. Retrieved October 8, 2009.
  13. ^ a b Spielman, Fran (December 1, 1993). "Gambling Den A Landmark? - Panel Endorses 'Chinese City Hall'". Chicago Sun-Times. Newsbank. Retrieved October 8, 2009.
  14. ^ Lehmann, David J. (March 2, 1994). "On Leong Casino Chief Pleads Guilty Under Deal". Chicago Sun-Times. Newsbank. Retrieved October 8, 2009.
  15. ^ O`Brien, John (June 24, 1988). "Police Report Found in Chinatown Raid - Security Leak Feared in Gang Crimes". Chicago Tribune. Newsbank. Retrieved October 8, 2009.
  16. ^ a b McWhirter, Cameron (March 27, 1993). "Landmark Chinatown Site May Shed Its Checkered Past". Chicago Tribune. Newsbank. Retrieved October 8, 2009.
  17. ^ a b c "On Leong Merchant Association Building/ Pui-Tak Center". Partners in Preservation. Retrieved February 10, 2009.[permanent dead link]
  18. ^ a b Yue, Lorene (December 23, 2005). "Immigrants find a voice in new country - With the help of Chinatown's Pui Tak Center , hundreds are learning to speak English". Chicago Tribune. Newsbank. Retrieved October 8, 2009.
  19. ^ a b Garza, Melita Marie (November 20, 1995). "Changing Fortunes Turn Chinatown's Secret Club into Immigrant Center". Chicago Tribune. Newsbank. Retrieved October 8, 2009.
  20. ^ . Chinese Christian Union Church. Archived from the original on April 25, 2008. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  21. ^ a b Kamin, Blair (October 12, 2007). "Chinatown landmark rises to top - Building wins vote over 24 area sites". Chicago Tribune. Newsbank. Retrieved October 8, 2009.
  22. ^ "Chicagoland Initiative". Partners in Preservation. Retrieved October 8, 2009.[permanent dead link]
  23. ^ "On Leong Merchants Building". Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. Retrieved October 8, 2009.

References edit

External links edit

  Media related to Pui Tak Center at Wikimedia Commons

  • Pui Tak Center Official Website

41°51′8.3″N 87°37′56″W / 41.852306°N 87.63222°W / 41.852306; -87.63222

January 01, 1970
center, chinese, 培德中心, jyutping, pui4, dak1, zung1, sam1, cantonese, yale, pùihdāk, jūngsām, pinyin, péidé, zhōngxīn, cultivating, virtue, center, formerly, known, leong, merchants, association, building, building, located, chicago, chinatown, designed, archit. The Pui Tak Center Chinese 培德中心 Jyutping pui4 dak1 zung1 sam1 Cantonese Yale Puihdak Jungsam pinyin Peide Zhōngxin lit cultivating virtue center formerly known as the On Leong Merchants Association Building is a building located in Chicago s Chinatown Designed by architects Christian S Michaelsen and Sigurd A Rognstad the building was built for the On Leong Merchants Association and opened in 1928 The Association used it as an immigrant assistance center and the building was informally referred to as Chinatown s city hall In 1988 the FBI and Chicago Police raided the building as part of a racketeering investigation The US federal government seized the building that same year Pui Tak CenterPui Tak CenterFormer namesOn Leong Merchants Association BuildingGeneral informationArchitectural styleOrientalismLocationChinatown ChicagoAddress2216 S Wentworth AvenueCurrent tenantsVariousConstruction started1926Completed1927InauguratedMay 2 1928Renovated1995 interior 2009 2010 exterior Cost 1 millionRenovation cost 1 million interior 2 million exterior projected OwnerChinese Christian Union ChurchTechnical detailsFloor count3Floor area30 000 sq ft 2 800 m2 Design and constructionArchitect s Christian S MichaelsenSigurd A RognstadChicago LandmarkOfficial nameOn Leong Merchants Association BuildingDesignatedDecember 1 1993 The building was purchased by the Chinese Christian Union Church CCUC for 1 4 million and renamed the Pui Tak Center in 1993 That same year the On Leong Merchants Association Building was designated a Chicago landmark by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks The CCUC spent 1 million raised from community donations to renovate and update the building s neglected interior The Pui Tak Center now hosts various religious community and educational programs such as English as a Second Language courses ESL In 2007 the Pui Tak Center won a 100 000 grant from the Partners in Preservation a program sponsored by American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation In preparation for the restoration work the structural and architectural engineering firm Wiss Janney Elstner Associates completed an evaluation of the building s eastern and southern facades focusing on its terra cotta portions Restoration work began in spring 2009 and was completed in early 2010 Fully restoring the building s exterior terra cotta pieces and clay roof tiles is the first step in a long range 2 million repair plan Contents 1 History 1 1 Seizure and sale 2 Renovation and restoration 3 Notes 4 References 5 External linksHistory edit nbsp A building was first constructed for the On Leong Chinese Merchants Association along Cermak Avenue in 1912 In 1912 Chinese businesses began relocating from the Loop to Chicago s South Side 1 Starting this trend the On Leong Chinese Merchants Association appealed to deed holder and former Illinois State s Attorney Jacob J Kern to hire architect H J Swanson to design a building large enough to house 15 stores 30 apartments and office space on the 200 block of West 22nd Street now Cermak Road 2 Built in 1912 for 200 000 the building s design was typical of the period however it featured white tile trim adorned with Chinese dragons and a third floor balcony 2 The Association relocated to the building s third floor by 1914 1 2 In the 1920s Chinese community leaders secured approximately 50 ten year leases on properties in the newly developing Chinatown 3 Jim Moy director of the Association then decided that a Chinese style building should be constructed as a strong visual announcement of the Chinese community s new presence in the area 3 4 With no Chinese born architects in Chicago at the time Chicago born Norse architects Christian S Michaelsen and Sigurd A Rognstad were asked to design the On Leong Merchants Association Building in the spring of 1926 5 Moy decided to employ the pair again after Michaelsen and Rognstad s firm built Moy s Peacock Inn in Uptown in 1920 4 After studying texts on Chinese architecture 3 Michaelsen and Rognstad s final design was an example of Orientalism a Western architect s interpretation of Chinese architectural forms 6 A good substitute for the liu li glazed ceramic found in traditional Chinese architecture Rognstad designed exterior Teco sculptural accents a type of terra cotta produced by Crystal Lake Illinois s American Terra Cotta Company 4 7 When the building plans were announced in the Chicago Tribune on July 4 1926 the building was called One of the most expensive and elaborate buildings ever erected in America by the Chinese 5 Construction began in 1926 and was completed a year later for the cost of 1 million 6 8 When the building opened in 1928 the On Leong Merchants Association used it as an immigrant assistance center that housed various meeting halls a school a shrine and the Association s offices 9 10 It was often informally referred to as Chinatown s city hall 3 In 1941 the On Leong Association offered Reverend John T S Mao space in the building to open St Therese Chinese Catholic School a Catholic grade school By the 1950s the school had become overcrowded but it remained in the building until construction of a new devoted school building was completed in 1961 11 Seizure and sale edit nbsp The building features exterior terra cotta accents mimicking glazed ceramic found in traditional Chinese architecture In the mid 1960s prosecutors began claiming the building was a national headquarters for a multimillion dollar racketeering operation 9 On April 20 1988 the FBI and Chicago police Internal Affairs Division investigators raided the On Leong Merchants Association Building confiscated gambling paraphernalia from a casino hidden on the building s second floor and seized 350 000 from a vault 12 13 Assistant U S Attorney John J Scully asserted that the Association had collected 6 million in illegal gambling profits between 1966 and 1988 14 The building was seized by the US federal government two months later under federal racketeering statutes 15 Other than several first floor shops the building sat empty for almost five years Rooms on the upper floors fell into disrepair with paint peeling and faded ornamentation in pieces on the floor 16 After a unanimous voice vote by a City Council committee the Commission on Chicago Landmarks designated the On Leong Merchants Association Building as a Chicago Landmark on December 1 1993 the only such landmark in Chinatown 10 13 It has been described as Chicago s most significant symbol of the cultural heritage of the Chinese 17 That same year the Chinese Christian Union Church CCUC bought the building from the government for 1 4 million 9 The CCUC now uses the newly named Pui Tak Center to host religious community and educational programs such as family literacy classes music programs computer courses and youth activities with English as a Second Language courses ESL being the Center s largest program 17 18 Recent Chinese immigrants can also visit the Center for assistance with everyday needs Serving approximately 2 500 new immigrants annually the Center s annual 1 5 million operating budget is partially funded by state and local government grants and private donations 18 Renovation and restoration edit nbsp Scaffolding was erected along the building s eastern facade during restoration work in 2009 After purchasing the building in 1993 the Chinese Christian Union Church spent 1 million raised from community donations to make extensive alterations to the building s interior which suffered from peeling paint falling plaster and poor lighting 6 19 The On Leong Merchants Association s former vault was converted into a closet 19 and the building s heating and water systems underwent major renovations and replacement 16 Renovations were completed in 1995 and the CCUC opened the building in November 20 In November 2007 the Pui Tak Center won a 100 000 grant from the Partners in Preservation a program sponsored by American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation Spreading the word via e mail Facebook and church sermons the building led the five week long online contest from the start and ultimately received 14 of the vote 21 It received more votes than any of the other 24 historic Chicago sites participating in the contest including the Robie House the Chicago Cultural Center and Unity Temple 22 In preparation for the restoration work the structural and architectural engineering firm Wiss Janney Elstner Associates completed an evaluation of the building s eastern and southern facades focusing on its terra cotta portions By using ultrasonic testing engineers were able to evaluate the state of the terra cotta without further damaging the pieces Severely cracked or damaged pieces were partially removed and a report was written from these findings This report provided recommendations for the masonry facade and terra cotta repair work 23 Restoration work began in spring 2009 and is scheduled for completion in early 2010 All of the damaged terra cotta elements have been replaced on the south tower and parapet and scaffolding has been erected on building s eastern facade in preparation for further restoration work 17 Fully restoring the building s exterior terra cotta pieces and clay roof tiles is the first step in a long range 2 million repair plan 21 Notes edit a b Chun 2005 p 56 a b c Earliest South Side Chinatown A Forgotten On Leong Building ca 1912 Chinese American Museum of Chicago July 14 2005 Archived from the original on October 25 2008 Retrieved October 7 2009 a b c d Leroux Charles January 6 2002 Still Standing Living links to a rich history of commerce and culture Chicago Tribune Newsbank Retrieved August 10 2009 a b c Ho 2005 p 58 a b Our Building Chinese Christian Union Church Archived from the original on June 25 2008 Retrieved February 9 2009 a b c Pui Tak Building formerly On Leong Building 2216 S Wentworth Avenue Chinese American Museum of Chicago August 7 2005 Archived from the original on October 25 2008 Retrieved February 9 2009 Sinkevitch 2004 p 371 Russick John January 10 2010 Chinatown s On Leong Building Chicago History Museum Archived from the original on February 22 2011 Retrieved May 11 2010 a b c Herrmann Andrew November 17 1995 Chinese Church Gives Landmark A Rebuilt Image Notorious Site Gets New Name And Mission Chicago Sun Times Newsbank Retrieved February 9 2009 a b On Leong Merchants Association Building City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development Archived from the original on March 2 2010 Retrieved February 9 2009 Part III St Therese Chinese Catholic Mission St Therese Chinese Catholic Mission Archived from the original on October 15 2009 Retrieved October 8 2009 O Connor Phillip J April 22 1988 Raid seeks to link gambling cops Chicago Sun Times Newsbank Retrieved October 8 2009 a b Spielman Fran December 1 1993 Gambling Den A Landmark Panel Endorses Chinese City Hall Chicago Sun Times Newsbank Retrieved October 8 2009 Lehmann David J March 2 1994 On Leong Casino Chief Pleads Guilty Under Deal Chicago Sun Times Newsbank Retrieved October 8 2009 O Brien John June 24 1988 Police Report Found in Chinatown Raid Security Leak Feared in Gang Crimes Chicago Tribune Newsbank Retrieved October 8 2009 a b McWhirter Cameron March 27 1993 Landmark Chinatown Site May Shed Its Checkered Past Chicago Tribune Newsbank Retrieved October 8 2009 a b c On Leong Merchant Association Building Pui Tak Center Partners in Preservation Retrieved February 10 2009 permanent dead link a b Yue Lorene December 23 2005 Immigrants find a voice in new country With the help of Chinatown s Pui Tak Center hundreds are learning to speak English Chicago Tribune Newsbank Retrieved October 8 2009 a b Garza Melita Marie November 20 1995 Changing Fortunes Turn Chinatown s Secret Club into Immigrant Center Chicago Tribune Newsbank Retrieved October 8 2009 History Chinese Christian Union Church Archived from the original on April 25 2008 Retrieved February 9 2009 a b Kamin Blair October 12 2007 Chinatown landmark rises to top Building wins vote over 24 area sites Chicago Tribune Newsbank Retrieved October 8 2009 Chicagoland Initiative Partners in Preservation Retrieved October 8 2009 permanent dead link On Leong Merchants Building Wiss Janney Elstner Associates Inc Retrieved October 8 2009 References editChun Grace Hong August 17 2005 Filling the Rice Bowl In Ho Chuimei Moy Soo Lon eds Chinese in Chicago 1870 1945 Arcadia Publishing ISBN 0 7385 3444 7 Ho Chuimei August 17 2005 The Rise of Chinatown In Ho Chuimei Moy Soo Lon eds Chinese in Chicago 1870 1945 Arcadia Publishing ISBN 0 7385 3444 7 Sinkevitch Alice April 12 2004 AIA guide to Chicago Harvest Books ISBN 0 15 602908 1 External links edit nbsp Chicago portal nbsp Illinois portal nbsp Architecture portal nbsp Media related to Pui Tak Center at Wikimedia Commons Pui Tak Center Official Website 41 51 8 3 N 87 37 56 W 41 852306 N 87 63222 W 41 852306 87 63222 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Pui Tak Center amp oldid 1176372201, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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