Michigan provides $1M toward effort preserving Detroit’s Chinese-American history

State Sens. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.) and Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit share a moment in Detroit on Monday with Maureen Stapleton of Midtown Detroit Inc. and Richard Mui, president of the Association of Chinese Americans. | Ken Coleman

A trio of Michigan state senators joined with Asian-American and Pacific Islander leaders on Monday in Detroit to toast $1 million in state funding to help fund streetscape improvements and infuse Chinese-inspired elements in the heart of a former Motor City Chinatown community. 

“Detroit’s Chinatown has a vibrant history that must not be forgotten and is embedded in a neighborhood eager for more community-driven investment and improved quality of life,” said state Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), the first Asian-American woman to be elected to the Legislature. 

The news conference included Chang’s legislative colleagues, state Sens. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), the chamber’s Appropriations Committee chair, and Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.). 

The event marks one year to the day that the city of Detroit demolished a 140-year-old building, located on the 3100 block of Cass Avenue, which was a former site of importance to the local Chinese American community. The building was the site of the Chinese Merchant Association building and was a residential space for Chinese immigrants in the late 19th century. 

Midtown Detroit, Inc., an area nonprofit, is the fiduciary for the state funding. 

“We have begun a transformation process in an area of our city which processes rich Chinese history and culture,” said Maureen Stapleton, Midtown Detroit Inc. interim executive director. 

Roland Hwang, president and co-founder of American Citizens for Justice, thanked Chang, Anthony and Cavanagh for their support. 

“It will be the catalyst for our vision or redevelopment of the neighborhood with a unique cultural flavor,” Hwang said. 

Richard Mui, president of the Association of Chinese Americans said the state’s “support not only preserves our rich heritage in Detroit but also ensures a vibrant and thriving future for generations to come.”