Private developer James Koh starts a project to rejuvenate Chinatown in Seattle. His project, slated to start construction next month, will convert three buildings: (1) The 1911 Milwaukee Hotel to become 113 market-rate apartment units; (2) The old Hong Kong restaurant building and Mar Hotel upstairs to serve as commercial space with six top-floor apartments; and (3) the 1910 monthly residential Alps Hotel converted into 117 market-rate units.
The Wing Luke Asian Museum is moving into one of the 1910 Kong Yick buildings. The respected museum plans to turn the now semi-vacant space into a sparkling community showcase. (Source: AsianWeek, May 6, 2005).