A vote by the city council delayed demolition of the building at 3143 Cass Avenue last week, but the city’s corporation counsel allowed it to go ahead.
A historic two-story building in Detroit’s Chinatown was unexpectedly demolished on Saturday, leaving the local Chinese American community in shock. Despite efforts by Detroit City Council members and advocates to save the building at 3143 Cass Avenue, the demolition proceeded, as the city’s corporation counsel deemed the council’s vote to delay the demolition non-binding.
The building, constructed in 1883, held sentimental value to several generations of Chinese American families who had operated businesses there. The loss of the building has sparked outrage among community members and politicians, including Michigan State Senator Stephanie Chang, who joined others on Monday to speak out against the destruction of a critical part of the city’s historic Chinatown.
On July 25, the Detroit City Council had unanimously voted to delay the demolition until September, in order to allow a review by the city’s historical advisory board. However, less than 24 hours later, the city’s legal department allowed the demolition to proceed, citing the council’s vote as legally ineffective.
Community leaders emphasized the significance of maintaining Detroit’s Chinese enclave, calling the building a symbol of the cultural and economic contributions made by generations of Chinese Americans in the city. Despite the demolition, advocates remain determined to protect and preserve the remaining historical structures in the area.
The situation has highlighted ongoing tensions between preservation efforts and urban development in Detroit. Advocates continue to call for stronger protections for historical landmarks, especially those with cultural significance to local communities.
