A group of ID business folks formed the Historic Chinatown Gate Foundation with the goal of building a Chinatown Gate for Seattle's International District. Construction started in 2006 and was finalized last week. The unveiling was Saturday as part of the Chinese New Years celebration. According to the PI, the archway cost $500,000 to build and the HCGF has set aside $50,000 a year for maintenance (graffiti and bird crap removal).
The MSG150 crew has passed under and around the gate for the last year during its construction. It's good to see some rejuvenation in the area. However, it's a shame that such a fantastic structure is surrounded by vice and decay. Maybe the gate will encourage the building owners on either side to step it up a bit. The city might be encourage to fill a few pot holes as well. Maybe they're maintaining one section of street undisturbed since it was built by the original Chinatown settlers. I hope there weren't any twisted dragon dancer ankles during the celebrations on Saturday.
Historic Chinatown Gate in the News
- Seattle PI - http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/346306_gate07.html
- NY Times - http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/06/us/06seattle.html
- NW Asian Weekly - http://www.nwasianweekly.com/20062918/chinatown20062918.htm
Historic Chinatown Gate Photos
Historic Chinatown Gage with Scaffolding
HCG with Scaffolding removed
The pot holes really accentuate the beauty of the new gate
HCG preparing for unveiling
Adding Feet
Official Looking Inspection
HCG Man-lift Action
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