Historic building enriches Taipei cultural scene

2015-01-06

A refurbished traditional Japanese-style building recently opened in downtown Taipei, underscoring the effectiveness of local government and private sector efforts aimed at revitalizing the city’s cultural and creative scene.

The formerly dilapidated wooden structure was transformed into a Japanese restaurant and art studio under an 18-month, NT$30 million (US$1 million) project overseen by locally based Lead Jade Life and Culture Co. Ltd.

Designed by Tokyo outfit Hakone Ueki Landscape Construction Co. Ltd., the facility features two courtyard gardens including stone lanterns and white sand, as well as an installation artwork created by Taiwan artist Chiu Chen-hung.

Constructed in the late 1920s and early 1930s in Zhongzheng District during the Japanese colonial era (1895-1945), the building was formerly a Forestry Bureau official residence. In 2006, it was heritage listed on the strength of unique architectural characteristics by the Taipei City Government's Department of Cultural Affairs.

The makeover is part of the city’s Old House Cultural Movement launched in 2012. “This urban regeneration project serves as a platform for local cultural and creative teams while helping improve Taipei’s landscape,” a DCA official said.

According to the official, many state-owned historic buildings and facilities have fallen into disrepair through budgetary constraints and need to be revamped. “By engaging the private sector, we can put these valuable historic assets to work with limited drain on the public purse.”

To date, 22 facilities have been reopened or are in the process of refurbishment under the program, making it one of the most successful of its kind in the country, the official said. “The initiative has also saved NT$300 million for the city, with steady rental revenue streams now coming on line.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=225890&CtNode=413)