Day 93: Sakura Square, Downtown Denver, Colorado
📌APIA Every Day (93) - Sakura Square, a small plaza located on the north/east side of the intersection of 19th Street and Larimer Street in Denver, Colorado, derives its name from the Japanese word for "cherry blossom," reflecting its significance as a tranquil space amidst the bustling downtown area. The roots of Sakura Square trace back to the early 1970s when it was developed as part of a revitalization effort spearheaded by the nearby Denver Buddhist Temple. Recognizing the importance of preserving their cultural enclave, the Japanese community opted to reclaim the neighborhood in 1971, purchasing the Sakura Square block from the Denver Urban Renewal Authority. This initiative aimed to enhance the neighborhood with affordable housing, commercial establishments, and a Japanese garden paying homage to influential figures in Colorado's Japanese American history. The vision for Sakura Square materialized swiftly, with Tamai Tower constructed as its centerpiece—a twenty-story apartment complex with commercial spaces on its lower floors.
Denver's Japanese American community has deep roots, with the Buddhist Temple serving as its focal point since its establishment in 1916. The community witnessed significant growth post-World War II, particularly as Japanese Americans sought refuge in Denver to evade internment, supported by Governor Ralph Carr from 1939 to 1943. The square contains busts of Governor Carr, Minoru Yasui, a Japanese American lawyer [APIA Every Day 61], and Yoshitaka Tamai, a Buddhist priest who lived in Denver.
Since its dedication in 1973, Sakura Square has evolved, transitioning its residential units to market-rate housing in 2014. While original businesses no longer exist, Pacific Mercantile remains open in the area. Today, Sakura Square continues to represent Japanese American culture, hosting the annual Cherry Blossom Festival—a celebration attracting thousands with its showcase of traditional arts, performances, and cultural exhibits. As Denver's Japanese community flourishes and evolves, Sakura Square remains a cherished landmark, offering a vibrant cultural hub within the landscape.
LEARN MORE:
Colorado Encyclopedia: Sakura Square
Discover Nikkei: Japanese Americans in Colorado
Confluence: At Sakura Square: Wariness Over Changes to Historic Home for Denver's Japanese Community
Denver Post: Japanese Americans in Denver hope to save cultural history
Densho Encyclopedia: Resettlement in Denver
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