Representatives from several Asian cultural and community groups have begun a process they call the Chinatown Renaissance Project. They are sponsoring community input for reuse of the vacant Ping Yuen housing site within the context of a future vision for Chinatown. They initiated their effort with a workshop at California Fats in Old Sacramento on July 7, 1998. The workshop was attended by 24 participants.
Chinatown was conceived as part of the 1960's redevelopment
planning for Downtown Sacramento. In 1969, the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment
Agency adopted a plan with development restrictions for Chinatown Project
that was defined by the two blocks boarded by 3rd, 5th, J, and I Streets.
With the Agency's assistance, members of the Asian business community developed
a complex of themed buildings and spaces that have become a focus for social,
religious, business and cultural activities.
Within the original development of Chinatown, Ping Yuen provided 72 units of housing. It was a Section 8 project that also provided 20 units of housing for very low income residents. Over the years, Ping Yuen deteriorated with many of the units becoming uninhabitable. In 1997, SHRA purchased the building and relocated the residents to housing elsewhere in the Central City. Ping Yuen now sits vacant.
In 1997, the Chinatown Redevelopment Project expired. This
meant the development restrictions that limited the height and density
of development no longer apply for Chinatown. It now can be developed at
C-3 (Central Business District) densities. In addition, the site has become
increasing central to the development trends in the downtown. With the
development of the new Federal Courthouse, SP/UPRR property, and the Downtown
Plaza Shopping Center on adjacent blocks, Chinatown has become an important
gateway and linkage site.
In addition to the development potential, the Chinatown Renaissance Project team views the area's traditional cultural and symbolic role as an important part of the discussion. They want the community to consider the future role Chinatown plays in terms of real estate opportunities, socially and culturally.
Questions? Contact: Bill Wong, Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center
(916) 442-2523 or (916) 445-1418
Greg Fortner, Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency
(916) 440-1333
