The Pui Tak Center was originally built between 1926 and 1928 by architects Michaelsen & Rognstad for the On Leong Merchants' Association. For the next sixty-five years it served as a gathering point for Chinese businessmen and as the community's cultural hub.
In 1992, the building was seized by the federal government in a controversial gambling raid. A year later they sold it to the Chinese Christian Union Church, who re-named it "The Pui Tak Center." According to their website, Pui Tak means "to build character or cultivate virtue" in Chinese.
In 2007, the 30,000 square foot building was the popular vote winner in an American Express Partners in Preservation Chicago-area contest. This means the center will receive crucial funds to help preserve its terra cotta facade.
The building is located at 2212-2220 S. Wentworth Avenue and was designated a Chicago Landmark in 1993.
In 1992, the building was seized by the federal government in a controversial gambling raid. A year later they sold it to the Chinese Christian Union Church, who re-named it "The Pui Tak Center." According to their website, Pui Tak means "to build character or cultivate virtue" in Chinese.
In 2007, the 30,000 square foot building was the popular vote winner in an American Express Partners in Preservation Chicago-area contest. This means the center will receive crucial funds to help preserve its terra cotta facade.
The building is located at 2212-2220 S. Wentworth Avenue and was designated a Chicago Landmark in 1993.