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Day 23 - Morro Bay, Near Present-Day San Luis Obispo, California
📌APIA Every Day (23) - The first documented landing of Filipinos in what is now the Continental United States occurred on October 18, 1587, at Morro Bay. They arrived aboard the Novohispanic ship Nuestra Señora de Buena Esperanza, part of the Manila galleon trade between the Viceroyalty of New Spain and the East Indies. During their brief stay, the Filipino crew came in contact with the Chumash people, leading to a tragic encounter resulting in the death of a Filipino crew member. This event marked the earliest documented instance of Asians in California and the United States.
The Chumash people, indigenous to the central and southern coastal regions of California, had established their territories thousands of years prior. European explorers, including Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo in 1542, made initial contact with the Chumash. The 1587 interaction with the Filipinos was another chapter in their encounters with outsiders. Despite the tragic events, the significance of this landing was not widely recognized until efforts by the Filipino American National Historical Society in 1992. A monument in Morro Bay was dedicated in 1995, and Filipino American History Month, established in 2009, now commemorates this historic event.
The landing in Morro Bay in 1587 was a pivotal moment, marking the first documented connection between Asian Americans and Indigenous/Native Americans in what is now the United States. This historical event, while often overlooked, contributes to the broader narrative of cultural interactions and migrations that have shaped the diverse history of America.
Day 22 - Lujan House, Hagåtña, Guam
📌APIA Every Day (22) - The Jose P. Lujan 1911 house, located in Hagåtña, Guam, is a remarkable historical landmark that not only embodies the architectural heritage of the island but also serves as a poignant link to Guam's complex history. Constructed by CHamoru resident Jose Pangelinan Lujan, the two-story mamposteria structure showcases the Spanish-influenced construction method, utilizing coral stones from Hagåtña Bay. Lujan's intent to rent the house to US Naval officers adds an intriguing layer to its history, reflecting Guam's transition during the early 20th century when the island experienced the end of Spanish rule and the arrival of the Americans.
The Lujan House has weathered the tumultuous events of World War II, standing as a resilient witness to the Japanese occupation and subsequent American forces' efforts to retake Guam. The devastating impact of the war, including bombings and the restructuring of Hagåtña into city blocks, is a crucial backdrop to the house's survival. Post-war reconstruction efforts led to the loss of many historic structures, streets, and landmarks, making the restored Lujan House/Guam Institute a rare touchstone to life in pre-war Guam. The Guam Preservation Trust's meticulous rehabilitation, completed in 2010, not only preserved the architectural integrity of the house but also revitalized it as a space for the trust's offices on the upper floor and community use on the lower floor.
In addition to its architectural significance, the Lujan House is entwined with the broader narrative of Guam's history. The house served as the location for the Guam Institute, one of the island's first private schools during the Naval Era, further highlighting its role as an institution of learning. The Guam Preservation Trust's efforts in rehabilitating the house, along with plans to recreate the old road and install interpretive signage, contribute to the preservation of Guam's cultural and historical identity. The house's listing on both the Guam and National Registers of Historic Places underscores its importance in safeguarding the tangible heritage of Old Hagåtña and commemorating the resilience of the island and its people.
Day 21 - Kam Wah Chung Company Building, John Day, Oregon
📌APIA Every Day (21) - The Kam Wah Chung Company Building, situated in the Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site in John Day, Oregon, stands as a testament to the rich history of the Chinese community in eastern Oregon. Originally constructed in the 1860s as a trading post, the building gained significance in 1887 when Chinese entrepreneurs Lung On and Ing Hay purchased it. Over the following six decades, the Kam Wah Chung Company Building served as a thriving commercial, social, and cultural hub for the local Chinese community. The site is now recognized as a National Historic Landmark and boasts one of the most extensive collections of Chinese mercantile and herbal store artifacts in the United States, including over 500 varieties of Chinese medicinal herbs.
This historic building housed diverse functions, evolving into a Chinese medical clinic, general store, community center, and residence. Lung On, a skilled businessman, and Ing Hay, known as "Doc Hay" for his expertise in traditional Chinese herbal medicine, formed a successful partnership amidst the challenges of anti-Chinese sentiments in the late 19th century. The Kam Wah Chung Company Building endured as a symbol of resilience, weathering racism and demographic shifts until its closure in 1948. Today, the site offers a unique glimpse into the past, preserving the intricate daily lives, business ventures, and medical practices of the Chinese immigrants who played a vital role in shaping the history of rural Oregon.
Day 20 - Kake Cannery National Historic Landmark, Alaska
📌APIA Every Day (20) - The Kake Cannery, located on Kupreanof Island in the Alexander Archipelago, played a crucial role in Alaska's Pacific salmon canning industry from 1912 to 1977. The cannery complex, consisting of over a dozen buildings, exemplifies the historical trends, technology, and labor practices of the industry. Initially employing native workers, the cannery later shifted to contracted labor, including Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Mexican, and African American workers. The cannery, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1997, fell into disrepair after its closure in 1977, but preservation efforts, including hazardous material cleanup, have been undertaken by the Organized Village of Kake (OVK). The tribe aims to rehabilitate the main cannery building for new uses, envisioning it as a hub for arts, culture, and nature-based tourism while preserving its historical significance.
The site was designated as an 11 Most Endangered Historic Place by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2013, the OVK plans to restore the cannery, construct a multi-purpose dock, and make system updates through the last decade. This continued restoration project aims to stimulate the local economy by repurposing the cannery into a cultural center, historical museum, restaurant, Tribal Transportation Office, and marketplace for native goods. The project leaders foresee the cannery serving as a gateway to Kake, attracting tourists and providing opportunities for the community's economic development. The restoration effort faces financial challenges, with an estimated $500,000 required for initial stabilization and millions needed for complete restoration, but with the help of $1.8 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce in 2018, OVK remains determined to preserve this significant artifact of Alaska's salmon canning history.
Day 19 - Little Mekong Cultural District, Saint Paul, Minnesota
📌APIA Every Day (19) - Little Mekong is a vibrant business and cultural district located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, situated along University Avenue between MacKubin and Galtier streets in the Frogtown neighborhood. Established in the 1970s, the district was shaped by the influx of Vietnamese, Laos, Cambodian, and Hmong refugees, seeking new lives in Minnesota after the Vietnam War. Former Governor Wendell Anderson played a crucial role in resettlement efforts, with churches and social services agencies also contributing. The area became a hub for diverse businesses, including restaurants, retail, and services, reflecting the cultural richness of the Southeast Asian community. The Asian Economic Development Association (AEDA) led the initiative to brand the district as Little Mekong, aiming to develop it as an attractive destination, support businesses during light rail construction, share cultural traditions, and create a vibrant district for all to enjoy.
Facing the challenge of supporting businesses during the construction of a light-rail line, AEDA integrated art and cultural programming, coordinating with artists to engage with businesses. This strategy not only sustained businesses during construction but also contributed to the district's revitalization. The branding of Little Mekong, inspired by the Mekong River connecting Southeast Asian cultures, has not only attracted diverse visitors but also increased revenue for businesses and artists. The district's cultural activities, including events like the Night Market and the Little Mekong Water Festival, have not only enhanced economic value but also fostered a sense of pride in the Southeast Asian community, bridging cultural communities and increasing visibility for the AAPI population in the Twin Cities. Specifically, the Twin Cities boasts the largest urban Hmong population in the country; Hmong people are also the largest Asian group in Minnesota, with a population exceeding 95,000.
Day 18 - Buford Highway, Dekalb County, Georgia
📌APIA Every Day (18) - Buford Highway is a culturally diverse corridor northeast of Atlanta, spanning Fulton, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties in Georgia. Renowned for its multicultural atmosphere, the area boasts over 1,000 immigrant-owned businesses representing a wide spectrum of ethnicities, including Korean, Mexican, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Bangladeshi, Central American, Somali, and Ethiopian. Despite facing an identity crisis and being labeled with the outdated moniker "Chambodia," Buford Highway challenges traditional urban development narratives. Unlike downtown Atlanta's upscale focus, this corridor has evolved into a thriving hub where various immigrant communities coexist, fostering a unique and vibrant suburban culture that reflects the true essence of the New South.
During the late 20th century, as Atlanta prepared for the 1996 Summer Olympics, Buford Highway experienced a transformative period. While the city aimed to project a cosmopolitan image, the corridor's significant cultural changes were overshadowed. Immigrant-owned businesses, attracted by affordable leases and consistent traffic, flourished, contributing to Buford Highway's emergence as an international corridor.
On March 16, 2021, a series of spa shootings targeted three massage parlors within a ten minute drive of Buford Highway, resulting in the tragic deaths of eight people, including six Asian women, and sparking widespread discussions about anti-Asian, misogynist violence.
Reflecting on relatively contemporary places like Buford Highway, where the architectural forms are akin to the strip malls we often dismiss in traditional historic preservation ethic, begs questions like: If and how do we acknowledge the historic contributions and persisting presence of Asians in the American South? If and how do we preserve mundane places like retail and service centers when horrific or honorific events have occurred there?
Day 17 - Granada Relocation Center, Camp Amache, Colorado
📌APIA Every Day (17) - The Granada Relocation Center, also known as Camp Amache, was one of ten incarceration camps established in the United States during World War II to confine Japanese Americans and individuals of Japanese descent. Located near the town of Granada in Colorado, Camp Amache housed over 7,300 incarcerated individuals at its peak, with more than 10,000 people passing through its gates during the war. The site, covering approximately 10,500 acres, included barracks, mess halls, administrative facilities, and extensive agricultural lands. The majority of the internees, primarily hailing from California's central valleys, were seasoned farm workers, contributing to the camp's transformation into a productive agricultural center. Despite the challenging living conditions, internees formed tight-knit communities and demonstrated resilience, creating gardens, constructing koi ponds, and attempting to make their cramped living quarters as homelike as possible.
In March 2022, the Amache National Historic Site Act was signed into law, designating Amache as a new park in the National Park System. This recognition reflects the historical significance of Camp Amache and its role in the incarceration of Japanese Americans during a dark chapter in American history. The site, now maintained by the Friends of Amache in collaboration with various organizations, features a cemetery, a monument, building foundations, and other remnants of the camp, serving as a poignant reminder of the wartime experiences of Japanese American families who endured unjust incarceration. The establishment of the National Historic Site underscores the commitment to preserving the complex history of Camp Amache and honoring the resilience and contributions of those who faced adversity during this tumultuous period.
Day 16 - Butte-Anaconda Historic District, Montana
📌APIA Every Day (16) - The Butte-Anaconda Historic District in Montana bears the historical imprint of Chinese and Asian American settlement, adding a unique layer to its narrative of mining, industry, and labor struggles. Chinese immigrants first arrived in the Butte area in 1868, initially attracted by placer gold mining. Forced out of mining activities, they established a vibrant Chinatown on the outskirts of Butte, marked by businesses like herb shops, noodle parlors, and laundries. Despite facing economic challenges and anti-Chinese sentiments, including boycotts initiated by labor unions in the late 19th century, the Chinese community persevered. The district's preserved buildings, such as the Mai Wah Noodle Parlor and Wah Chung Tai, now serve as a museum, offering insight into the rich history and contributions of Chinese and Asian Americans in shaping Montana's cultural and economic landscape.
In the face of economic depressions and labor tensions, the Chinese community in Butte's Chinatown played a vital role in supporting the local community. The Chinese Boycott Case of 1896, a landmark legal victory against labor unions, marked a turning point, ensuring the protection of Chinese and Japanese businesses from further organized actions. The legacy of Chinese and Asian American settlement in the Butte-Anaconda Historic District is not only preserved in the physical remnants of Chinatown but also in the broader narrative of a diverse and resilient community that contributed significantly to the development of the region during a pivotal period in American history.
Day 15 - Nan Madol, Federated States of Micronesia
📌APIA Every Day (15) - Nan Madol, situated on the island of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia, stands as a testament to the ancient Saudeleur dynasty's political and religious prominence. Constructed between 1200 and 1700, Nan Madol served various roles, including being a religious center, royal enclave, fortress, marketplace, and the governmental hub for Pohnpei. The Saudeleur dynasty, originally outsiders who became rulers of Pohnpei, initiated the construction of Nan Madol around 1200. The city, built on a coral reef in a lagoon, was a complex of over 130 buildings on 12 artificial islands, connected by a network of canals. At its zenith, Nan Madol housed around a thousand people, with a highly stratified social structure that isolated the nobility from the commoners. The city's significance gradually declined after the defeat of the Saudeleur in 1628 by the warrior hero Isokelekel, leading to its abandonment in the 18th century.
Nan Madol, recognized as the only existing ancient city built on a coral reef, showcases remarkable engineering and architectural feats. The massive basalt stones, some weighing up to 100,000 pounds, were meticulously arranged in crisscross patterns, forming the walls of the structures. The city's name translates to "within the intervals," referring to the intricate web of tidal canals that crisscross the city. Nan Madol's unique construction gives it the moniker "Venice of the Pacific." Despite centuries of abandonment, the city remains stable, allowing modern-day visitors to tour the site by boat. Designated as the Nan Madol National Historic Landmark, the area encompasses the city, surrounding islets, and adjacent regions. Although privately owned by Pohnpeians, the ownership status of Nan Madol's islets remains unclear. Today, the site is a listed on the National Register of Historic Places (1975), designated National Historic Landmark District (1985), and UNESCO World Heritage Site (2016).
Day 14 - Asian/Pacific Thematic Historic District, San Diego, California
📌APIA Every Day (14) - The Asia Pacific Thematic Historic District (APTHD) in San Diego represents the historical Chinatown of the city, encompassing eight blocks adjacent to the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District. Bounded by Market Street, 2nd Ave., 6th Ave., and J St., this district was officially designated as a historic area by the City of San Diego in 1987. The APTHD traces its roots back to the 1860s when it was settled by abalone fishermen, evolving into a thriving Chinatown that accommodated not only the Chinese community but also Japanese and Filipino communities. Over time, factors such as World War II service and the redevelopment of the Gaslamp Quarter in the 1980s led to the dispersion of the Chinese population and the closure of numerous Chinese-owned businesses. The APTHD now preserves the historical significance of the Asian-Pacific community, featuring 22 contributing structures dating from 1883 to 1930, including the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum and the San Diego Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association.
The district showcases the multicultural history of the Asian-Pacific community in San Diego, with the Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino immigrants living and working in the area from the 1860s to the 1950s. The APTHD is not only a physical space but also a cultural testament to the contributions of these communities. The district's historical periods highlight the development and concentration of Asian/Pacific buildings and businesses, demonstrating their resilience and adaptability. Today, the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District serves as a reminder of San Diego's diverse heritage and plays a crucial role in preserving and sharing the rich history of the Asian-Pacific communities in the region.
Day 13 - India Square, Jersey City, New Jersey
📌APIA Every Day (13) - India Square, also known as "Little India," is a vibrant commercial and restaurant district located in the Journal Square and Marion Section neighborhoods of Jersey City, New Jersey. Recognized for having the highest concentration of Indian Americans in the Western Hemisphere, the area is a rapidly expanding ethnic enclave within the New York Metropolitan Area. Centered on Newark Avenue, between Tonnele Avenue and JFK Boulevard, this neighborhood is a bustling hub lined with grocery stores, electronics vendors, video stores, clothing shops, and a plethora of restaurants. Boasting a rich cultural atmosphere, India Square hosts major events such as the largest outdoor Navratri festivities in New Jersey and is home to several Hindu temples. The area has experienced substantial demographic growth, with the 2010 census reporting over 27,000 Asian Indians, constituting 10.9% of Jersey City's population.
Little India, primarily situated between Tonnele Avenue and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, extends eastward along Newark Avenue into Jersey City's Little Manila and the Five Corners neighborhood. This expansion reflects the continuous influx of immigrants and the area's dynamic cultural evolution. As a testament to the city's diversity, Jersey City regularly ranks among the most diverse cities in the U.S., showcasing a harmonious coexistence of various ethnic groups. The India Square subsection of Journal Square remains a significant symbol of this diversity, attracting visitors with its lively atmosphere, diverse businesses, and the celebration of Indian festivals such as Navratri and Holi.With most of the settlement and development patterns beginning the late 70s and through the 80s, will the field of historic preservation be ready to recognize enclaves like India Square as a historic district with deep contributions to the greater American story?
Day 12 - McGregor Memorial Conference Center, Detroit, Michigan
📌APIA Every Day (12) - The McGregor Memorial Conference Center, situated on the campus of Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, is a National Historic Landmark designed by Japanese American architect Minoru Yamasaki. Constructed in 1958, the center marked a pivotal moment in Yamasaki's career as he transitioned from the International Style to New Formalism. Yamasaki, influenced by his early experiences and education, departed from the strict designs of the International Style, incorporating classical elements and historical inspiration into his work. The McGregor Memorial Conference Center, commissioned by the McGregor Fund, showcases Yamasaki's evolving design philosophy, featuring an elevated platform, sunken reflecting pool, and gardens that contribute to a serene and contemplative atmosphere. With its distinctive architectural features, including Italian travertine, aluminum, tinted glass windows, and a glass-enclosed atrium, the center garnered national attention and served as a catalyst for Yamasaki's subsequent influential projects.
Minoru Yamasaki's career continued to flourish in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with the McGregor Center establishing his reputation and leading to additional commissions from Wayne State University. His design ideals culminated in the iconic World Trade Center in New York City in 1962, where Yamasaki blended high and low rise buildings within an urban oasis. Despite facing health challenges, Yamasaki remained active in architecture until his death in 1986, leaving a lasting legacy. The McGregor Memorial Conference Center stands as a testament to Yamasaki's innovative approach, marking the emergence of New Formalism and influencing Modern Architecture in the latter half of the 20th century.
Day 11 - Squak Valley, Issaquah, Washington
📌APIA Every Day (11) - The Squak Valley site of the Chinese massacre in 1885 (now Issaquah, WA) unfolded against a backdrop of anti-Chinese sentiment that swept through the American West during the 1880s. In an attempt to reduce labor costs, the Wold brothers, owners of a hop farm in Squak Valley, hired 37 Chinese workers to pick hops at a lower wage. This decision incited hostility from white and Native American hop pickers in the region who perceived the Chinese as a threat to their employment. The tension escalated on the night of September 7, 1885, when a group of five white men and two Native Americans attacked the Chinese camp, firing into the tents of sleeping laborers. Three Chinese men were killed, and three others were seriously wounded. Despite arrests and a trial, all the perpetrators were acquitted, reflecting the prevailing anti-Chinese sentiments of the time.
The Squak Valley incident was part of a broader wave of violence against Chinese workers in the Puget Sound region and beyond. The anti-Chinese agitation, exemplified by the Rock Springs Massacre in Wyoming on September 2, 1885, where 28 Chinese coal workers were killed, exacerbated the hostility towards Chinese immigrants. The massacre underscored the economic tensions and xenophobia prevalent in the region during this period, leading to the expulsion of Chinese communities from various towns. Despite legal proceedings, the perpetrators of the Squak Valley massacre faced little consequence, contributing to a broader climate of discrimination and violence against Chinese immigrants in the late 19th century American West.
No marker or designation recognizes the history at this site, which itself is difficult locate with accuracy. Since 2008, researcher/photographer Tim Greyhavens has helped identify and document these sites as part of the No Place Project.
Day 10 - Range 99, Congressional Cemetery, Washington D.C.
📌APIA Every Day (10) - Range 99 at the Historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C., holds a unique historical significance as the burial site for nearly 100 Chinese immigrants from 1896 to 1938. These individuals were pioneers among the first Chinese migrants to the city and played a significant role in the diverse tapestry of the nation's capital. However, in adherence to Chinese traditions, their remains were later exhumed and transported back to China for reburial, where their families could perform essential ancestral rites. In 2015 and again in 2022, recognizing the importance of preserving this chapter of Chinese American history, the 1882 Foundation collaborated with the Chinese American Citizens Alliance and the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association to establish a memorial site at Range 99 within the Congressional Cemetery.
Despite the absence of physical remains in Range 99 today, the memorial stands as a testament to the Chinese American historical experience in the United States. The site was marked by benches and a plaque in 2015, intended to provide a place for historical remembrance and reflection for both visitors and the descendants of Chinese immigrants. Unfortunately, the original sitting area faced challenges, including a collapsed boundary wall and damaged benches due to weather and exposure. To rejuvenate the memorial, the 1882 Foundation replaced the benches, create a brick patio, plant new trees to restore the natural canopy, and reinstall the commemorative plaque with additional interpretive signage in 2022. This effort aims to ensure that the stories of these early Chinese immigrants are not forgotten, acknowledging their contributions within the broader context of over 200 years of American history represented at the Congressional Cemetery.
Day 9 - Chinatown, Downtown Historic District, Washington D.c.
📌APIA Every Day (9) - Washington, D.C.'s Chinatown is a historic neighborhood located in the heart of Downtown Washington, D.C. It has a rich history of Chinese immigration dating back to the 19th century. The neighborhood was originally established in the 1880s, but it was relocated in the 1930s to make way for government development projects. At its peak, Chinatown extended from G Street to Massachusetts Avenue and from 5th Street to 9th Street, becoming a bustling community with Chinese businesses, schools, clubs, and cultural institutions. One of the most prominent symbols of the neighborhood's cultural heritage is the Friendship Archway, a traditional Chinese gate dedicated in 1986 to mark the friendship between Washington, D.C., and Beijing, China. This impressive archway, designed by architect Alfred H. Liu, showcases intricate Chinese design motifs and is adorned with over 7,000 glazed tiles and 280 painted dragons.
The Chinatown Community Cultural Center, located at 616 H Street, has played a significant role in preserving and promoting Chinatown's cultural identity. This center offers a range of programs and activities aimed at celebrating Chinese culture, history, language, and heritage. These include walking tours that provide insights into the neighborhood's history and culture. The center's efforts contribute to educating both residents and visitors about the neighborhood's rich past and its role in shaping the cultural fabric of the city.
Day 8 - Hung Sa Dahn, Los Angeles, California
📌APIA Every Day (8) - The Hung Sa Dahn, located in Expo Park, Los Angeles, is a Craftsman-style residence that played a pivotal role in the Korean American community & the broader historical context. Established as the headquarters of the Young Korean Academy, this organization was founded by Dosan Ahn Chang Ho, a prominent figure in Korean American history and the Korean Independence Movement. The property served as the operational base for Hung Sa Dahn from 1929 to 1979. Dosan Ahn Chang Ho's teachings on democracy and sovereignty were central to the organization's mission, attracting a diverse membership that included day laborers, farmworkers, shopkeepers, as well as ambassadors and diplomats. The property narrowly escaped demolition in 2021, APIAHiP, the Los Angeles Conservancy, and other community members successfully nominated & advocated to designate it as a Historic-Cultural Monument (HCM). The Government of the Republic of Korea later purchased the property in 2023, securing its preservation.
This successful preservation effort demonstrated the collective commitment of local, national, and international community members to safeguard and celebrate a vital piece of the Korean American heritage and the ongoing legacy of the Hung Sa Dahn.
Day 7 - Zarif Khan & Louie’s - Historic downtown Sheridan, Wyoming
📌APIA Every Day (7) - Sheridan, Wyoming, celebrated for its “Wild West” history and breathtaking landscapes, harbors a lesser-known yet vital piece of its own history—the emergence of a Pakistani community, led by Zarif Khan, who arrived in 1907 from the village of Bara, British India (now part of Pakistan).
Zarif Khan's journey led to the acquisition of a local restaurant from German immigrant Louis Menge, which retained the name "Louie's." Under Khan's ownership, the restaurant thrived, and he was affectionately known as "Hot Tamale Louie." The restaurant became a cherished gathering place where individuals from diverse backgrounds came together, reflecting Khan's welcoming spirit and the harmonious coexistence of different cultures.
Day 6 - I.M. Pei’s East Building at the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
📌APIA Every Day (6) - One of I.M. Pei's most celebrated contributions to American architecture is the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Completed in 1978, this distinctive addition exemplifies Pei's talent for pushing the boundaries of architectural design. The East Building is a striking juxtaposition to the adjacent neoclassical West Building, featuring a geometric and angular structure constructed from pink Tennessee marble and glass. Its bold and modern design includes large triangular shapes and open, light-filled spaces, providing an innovative backdrop for the display of modern and contemporary art. With its exceptional architecture and thoughtful integration into the cultural and urban context of Washington, the East Building is a testament to I.M. Pei's enduring legacy of blending tradition and innovation.
Day 5 - Japanese Tea Garden, San Antonio, Texas
📌APIA Every Day (5) - The San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden, (also known as the Sunken Gardens and at one time, the Chinese Tea Garden) is a captivating historical attraction located in Brackenridge Park, San Antonio, Texas. This remarkable site emerged from an abandoned limestone quarry, transformed into a serene oasis by City Parks Commissioner Ray Lambert starting in 1917. While using prison labor, Lambert alongside engineer W.S. Delery designed the quarry, constructing pathways, stone arch bridges, and even a Japanese pagoda. The garden was initially maintained by Kimi Eizo Jingu, a Japanese-American artist who opened the Bamboo Room in 1926, offering light lunches and tea to visitors. However by 1942, World War II and Japanese incarceration brought anti-Japanese sentiment, leading to the eviction of the Jingu family and a temporary renaming of the garden to the Chinese Tea Garden.
Day 4 - West Argyle Street Historic District - Chicago, Illinois
📌APIA Every Day (4) - The West Argyle Street Historic District, also known as Little Saigon, New Chinatown, and Asia on Argyle, is a historic district located in northern Uptown, Chicago, Illinois. This district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010 and spans roughly 41 acres. Its boundaries include N. Glenwood Ave to the west, Winona Street to the north, Sheridan Road to the east, and Ainslie Street to the south. The neighborhood has a rich history, originally developing as a suburb called Argyle Park in the 1880s, which was later annexed into Chicago.