Partners In Preservation - Chicagoland Initiative


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	A Shelter and Place of Redemption Submitted by Manila Ice, Chicago's Near West Side/UIC I was in need of housing while in seminary at Moody Bible in Dec. of 1999. By God's grace I was able to move in to Pui-Tak . That December of 1999 was so special because Pui-Tak was a shelter in the storm of what was going on in my life. I lived there from December 1999 until October 2001. I appreciate CCUC and what they did not just for me but for the gentlemen whom lived in the building. Pui-Tak is all things to all people. It is such an exciting story of redemption as its past includes being a place of gambling and prostitution. Now it is a place for ESL, for VBS, for community outreach, and for worship. I loved leaving on Friday nights for my basketball games and hearing and seeing CCUC's youth group meeting in the basement. Finally, I also remember waking up at the end of January 2000 to the sounds of fire crackers and other explosives, one would have thought it was the Tet Offensive. I stupidly forgot it was Chinese New Year, I did not sleep much that night. Pui-Tak really does deserve to be preserved, it is falling apart in many areas and should be restored much like of Lord Jesus restores human life. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Our American Experience - Pui-Tak Center Chinatown Submitted by T'ang people, Chicago My grandfather and his brother came to the USA in the 1910's from southern China. Eventually, they traveled from Portland, Oregon to Chicago. Back then, the Chinatown was very small. The now historic landmark that they and many others pooled their money to build is the On Leong Building.Our grandparents were proud of being part of Chinatown. This building became the Pui-Tak Center. The faith based CCUC is now using with a mission and purpose reaching beyond the four walls of the building serving the Chinese community with social services and character building ministries. I am pleased even the building's Chinese name 'Pui Tak' reflects that goal. We would put to good use with the building grant to repair and preserve one legacy passed on from our generations of Chinese Americans and their sacrifices. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Wonderful stories Submitted by Amy, Indiana Wow, such wonderful stories about the On Leong/Pui Tak building! I grew up in Chinatown and visit my mother every Saturday. I am sorry to say that I have never been in the building. These wonderful stories bring such lovely images in my mind and only feel much hope for the new immigrants that come to settle first in Chinatown. My only hope is that more people will come to enjoy not only the architecture but of the activities inside, which so positively impact lives! Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Pui-Tak Center Submitted by Someone, Suburbs Pui-Tak Center has done many things for fellowships and for the community of Chinatown. The building has been to good use and it deserves a tune up! Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Growing up with On Leong Submitted by Julie, Chicago, Chinatown I grew up knowing the building, and it would be lovely if I can grow old knowing it will stand intact for many more years to come. My family and I lived across the street for many years, and I played by our 3rd floor window looking at the On Leong building. The two landmarks to identify with home during my childhood was the On Leong building, and the Chinatown arch. We passed under the arch countless times, and looked on at the On Leong building even more countless times than that. My family has had different connections with the building, and it means so much to me to have an opportunity to win support to help preserve it. Good luck, On Leong! I hope you win! Comments (1) \| Comment on this story
	Pui Tak is awesome! Submitted by Justin, Suburbs Well, Pui Tak has such a great impact on our community and the look of Chinatown. Inside the building are a group called the Kingdom Seekers, and they hold their fellowships there. So it helps the sophomores to seniors strengthen their relationship with Christ. So yeah... it's a great place and a great building =) Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	pui-tuk center Submitted by JerBear, Christain Every time I go to Chinatown I see the Pui-Tak Center and it looks so great. I have only been in there about 5 times but still it's great to be in and to see. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Remember Submitted by None, Northeast region I am not from Chicago but have close contacts to the area. The On Leong building must be preserved. It is one of many symbols of the many and yet unsung contributions that the Chinese people gave to the USA. History has forgotten the sacrifices "we" gave to this country. History has forgotten the "exclusion" we suffered as a Chinese people. Its preservation will help keep the memories and continue the present work of the church and community. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Why this means a lot to me... Submitted by Someone..., Chicago Ever since I was little, I came to the Pui Tak Center almost every week for church. Not only did I go for church, but I went there if I needed someone to talk to because you could always find someone to help you. I've been there for after-school when I was a little kid, and now looking back, I made a lot of new friendships there and learned more about the people around me. Whenever I was in need of advice, there it was. Pui Tak Canter is like a second home to me, so in a way, this is a small way to pay back the great things the people at Pui Tak Center has done for me. Comments (1) \| Comment on this story
	Why I am voting for this site... Submitted by Chris, Albany Park I think this site embodies all the elements that should be considered when preserving a building. It is a cultural landmark. When one thinks of Chinatown, one can't help think of the front gate and this building. It is a place of history. I don't know all the details, but I have been told that the building has a very "colorful" past. The good thing is that this building has been rejuvenated by CCUC into an integral part of the community there. I used to work at the Pui Tak, and so I can say from first-hand experience that this place embodies the last element that I think should be considered in preservation - does it still play an important role in the community. This building has so many activities in it that you would be hard to find a time when there isn't something going on inside its walls. I know that this building has become an integral part of the Chinese community in Chicago. Sadly, when I was working there, I noticed how run-down it is. It needs the money to continue its traditions and continue helping the community (in the name of Jesus). Even if you aren't a Christian, you can't help but deny the way this building shows love to the community around it. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	gateway to new horizons Submitted by Monty, downtown The building is used for a variety of activities throughout the week that contributes greatly to the immigrant community it serves. I volunteered a couple years ago as an after-school tutor for high school students. The students were very enthusiastic about every session. I quizzed them on SAT/ACT preparation. All of the students are now in college - all the first to ever do so in their family. Pui Tak Center is a gateway to a better future for those who immigrated to this great country. Pui Tak remains a hub of community cooperation. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Pui Tak - JSP Submitted by Infinite12286, Purdue University Pui Tak Center has a summer program called July Summer Program. It is a combination of Vacation Bible School and Summer School. I served there as a volunteer for two weeks working with an organization called "Here's Life Inner City". I have never seen a program like this. The staff loved these children like their own and would do anything for them. They provided amazing care for the kids and made sure that every child was well instructed by real teachers and had the type of discipline that would be encouraged by their parents. This center provides the opportunity for non-english speakers to not only learn the language, but also connect with people who have loving hearts. While I worked at Pui Tak, I saw so much joy come from the children. Kids who said they were there for the first time said that they wanted to come back every year because it was so much fun. Other kids had been there for a few years and continued to come back. This center is the corner stone to the community. Everyone knows the center. I will forever be encouraged about what I am capable of because I have seen what they have done. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Gateway to Culture Submitted by Lily, Downtown Chicago The significance of the Pui Tak center is that is it the only Chicago Chinatown historic landmark and yet it is also a hard working building, offering education, instruction and after school programs for children and adults. My daughter took piano lessons here. The roof and structural elements need repair. Help repair a vital working structure that has much history and culture for future generations. This is a building to be proud of, one that greets visitors near the gateway to Chinatown, welcoming all who venture with beauty and grace. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Why I support Submitted by ChineseChicago, Chinatown This historic building, once the property of the On Leong Tong Merchants' Association, was constructed in 1926 by the famous Chicago architectural firm Michaelsen & Rognstad, with terra cotta work completed by the American Terra Cotta & Ceramics Company of Crystal Lake, IL, and is the largest On Leong Tong building in the US. Its significance extends beyond the architectural and into the social and historical dimension. Here, disputes and contracts were determined among the early laundry and restaurant dominated communities, Chinese classes and civic lessons for the kids were taught, and control leveraged over backroom gambling and other enterprises where the tong, with its economic, political, and street enforcement power over the Chinese community, held sway over this particular Chinatown, with the approval, tacit or otherwise, of the Chicago Outfit. Even after the evangelical Chinese Christian Union Church took after the building was seized by the Federal government -- and perhaps because the CCUC took over the building -- it remains an vitally important living document of the changes to the Chinatown community in the 1st/25th Ward over the last 80 years, and as such, our understanding the Asian American historical experience in Chicago, and the broader Chicago historical experience as a whole. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	A Place that Changes Life Submitted by Isaac, Washington, D.C. The On Leong Building/Pui Tak Center is not just architecturally unique and beautiful, it has a colorful history. But most importantly, it serves a purpose. It is a place that has changed many peoples' lives! It has helped numerous early Chinese immigrants to settle in this community as it was built long time ago. It currently houses the Pui Tak Center, which provides many essential services and spiritual support for the residents in the Chinatown community and the metro Chicagoland. This place will continue to make significant impacts to the people it serves in the future. The Pui Tak Center has united people of different colors and background from the greater Chicagoland for a common cause that makes a difference in peoples' lives. Many of those that have served at Pui Tak Center can attest to their personal life enrichment as they were touched by the people that they helped. They see people change and growth as a result of their labor and passion. The Pui Tak Center is a place where people go - to serve or be served. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Childhood memories Submitted by Phel, Naperville I grew up on the north side of Chicago and my parents used to take my sister and me to Chinatown every Sunday for church at CCUC. Part of our day-long trip every week was to go to the On Leong building and shop at the merchants on the ground level. I remember the butcher on the corner with the big butcher block that had a deep hollow caused by all the chopping of prepared Chinese meats. I remember the gift shop and looking at all the trinkets targeted for tourists (and little kids like me). I have memories of having lunch at the Kai Kai coffee shop. There was no menu, just strips of paper on the wall listing the available dishes of the day. We would have dim sum and I would get freshly squeezed orange juice - as a little boy, I was amazed that one could put oranges in a citrus press and get juice - juice at home always came out of a carton. Oh such memories, of my dad, my mom & sister, the sounds and sights from this building and from Chinatown. It was over 30 years ago and it is nice to see that this building is still serving the community as busily as it did in my memories. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	my home Submitted by Anna, Christianity My brothers, sisters, and I meet at Pui tak Center every Friday evening! In the past years, this place has become my home. From the third floor to the second floor, from the second floor to the basement.... I have touched every inch of the building and have had many memorable moments!!! Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	A Blessing to the Community Submitted by Chinatown Girl, CHICAGO SOUTH LOOP This building, now known as Pui Tak Center, has been a great blessing to the community. It has been offering English and Computer Courses to the local community, helping new immigrants to adapt to new environment, providing grammar school education, hosting community events, and seminars. My mom, aunts, cousins, friends, and co-workers has received help from it at some point of time in their lives. I really wish Pui Tak Center will win because I am sure that its funds will be spent wisely by its manager, and re-invested into the community for greater goods. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	O.K., It's not Frank Lloyd Wrightt Submitted by Bob, I have been in and around the On Leong Building/Pui Tak Center for over 60 years. The amazing thing about this building is that it is beautiful when viewed from up close and from a distance. It isn't a reference to the geometrically repetitive colorless modern, but to the celebration of decorative detail and color. One of many amazing and very American things about this building is that Chinese immigrant merchants employed Norwegian heritage architects to accomplish a significantly Asian building, using the then highest available technology of steel and concrete construction. O.K., it's not Frank Lloyd Wright, but it is one of the most accessible buildings of merit in Chicago and not preserved as a museum or a work of art in itself. The On Leong Building/Pui Tak Center is a working building in which the citizens of Chicago are served and delighted on a daily basis, primarily on the basis of private donations. P.S. Chicago winters and summers are tough on terra cotta and clay tiles. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	A New Start Submitted by Tony, Southern Chicagoland This place simply amazes me. I mean, this place accepts new Chinese immigrants and just brings them into society. Teaching English, educating little kids, and bringing Christian fellowship together is just an example of what this life-changing building has done. Over the past years, I've seen so much joy in the volunteers that work there in teaching new Chinese immigrants and little kids. This place is also a mark of historical value in Chinatown. The beautiful pagoda-style roof just brings me back in my memories when I was still little, looking at that huge building and wondering how something like that could be made. I hope this place will receive the money to be able to preserve this history and continue the legacy of helping all those who have just come here. I just know that after the renovations, more people will be attracted to come here, and they would be able to help them out. This could be a new start in the benefit of the glory of His Kingdom. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Amazing... Submitted by Brian, North West Chicago I go to Pui Tak every Sunday for Sunday School. It continues to change my life every week that I go there. This place has impacted me so much. It helped me realize how much of an importance Christ is to me. I've witnessed so many Christian lives develop here. But throughout these past years, this building has been falling apart and deteriorating in its unique structural design. This place has brought us great unity, and I'm positive it will keep bringing all of us together as one. I just hope that this place will receive the charity it needs in order to improve and strengthen our bonds with each other. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	The symbol of my community Submitted by David, Chicago As a lifetime Chicagoan and current Chinatown resident who works in the field of architecture, the On Leong Building is a landmark and treasure that symbolizes my community's identity and character. Located near Chinatown's busiest intersection, tourists are often seen gazing at its Chinese style roof and terra cotta façade and imagine themselves being in ancient China. But the building is not just about a faraway place, it is a reminder that Chinese Americans have made Chicago their home and are making contributions to their new country, the United States of America. Comments (1) \| Comment on this story
	New life for a gambling hall Submitted by Sylvia, Chicago My grandfather came to Chicago in the early 1920's from China. Even though the Chinatown community was small, he and many others pulled together to raise funds to build the On Leong building. While the building was originally used to help new immigrants, it later became Chinatown's gambling hall. Although I grew up around the corner, the building was always mysterious. I am so pleased that the Pui Tak Center now uses this building to help new immigrants learn English, adjust to American culture, develop strong family relationships and become citizens. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	A wonderful place for hide-and-seek Submitted by Bing, Elk Grove Village While growing up in the 1940s, I lived across the street from the On Leong Chinese Merchant Association building. My grandfather went there all the time to hang out with his friends, attend important meetings, or hear Chinese opera concerts. Sometimes, the meetings dealt with someone's request to open up a new Chinese restaurant while other meetings were court proceedings as Chinatown residents rarely reported crimes to the real police. If someone was found guilty of a crime, he would be shamefully paraded down Wentworth Avenue with a noose around his neck and gongs clanging. My parents sent me to On Leong everyday after school and on Saturdays so that I could learn Chinese. I dreaded going but now wished I had learned more. My friends and I liked to sneak into the building to play hide-and-seek. My favorite hiding spots were behind the enormous ceramic vases or next to the judges' chairs in the court room. Comments (2) \| Comment on this story