Chinese community members to speak out against arena location

Members of El Paso’s Chinese community are upset that the new downtown arena would destroy, what they consider an important part of their history in El Paso.

The building is 212 W. Overland, and is located in the Duranguito neighborhood. The building was once a laundry owned by a Chinese man.

The Chinese first came in El Paso in the late 1800s to work on the railroads.

“It’s the only remaining building from the old days when we had a China Town. There’s nothing else besides this building.” UTEP professor Albert Wong said. “There are certain buildings that are very important to our history, and to our memory of the city, and this being part of the Chinese community, I think it’s extremely important to be conserved.”

The building is currently vacant. It is owned by Billy Abraham, who at one point was working with local historians to make it a Texas historical landmark. Less than a month ago, Abraham removed the building from consideration.

In a statement Abraham gave ABC-7, he said it was a difficult decision but he’s in favor of the arena being built.

Champagne Chyi is principal of the Ai-Hwa Chinese School here in El Paso. It’s a program that partners with UTEP to teach students Chinese. Chyi said that building is a valuable teaching tool for her.

“It’s a great, great place with great history. But, once we demolish it, it’s gone,” Chyi said. “We can never rebuild history.”

Chyi said that building has been home to Chinese celebrations.

“We had once or twice a Chinese New Year celebration in that specific location.” Chyi said. “We ought to have the opportunity for [everyone] to learn the Chinese history and the Chinese culture.”

Pamela Herron, a professor of Asian Studies at UTEP, said she’s concerned getting rid of this building would mean Chinese contributions to the city could be forgotten.

“At one time, we had a thriving Chinatown south of Mills Street. That’s where the Chinese people lived and worked. At one time, there were 18 different Chinese laundries,” Herron said. “This is the last surviving one. It was built by a Chinese worker who saved the money to be able to build his own laundry. This is the last vestige that we have of that contribution.”

Chyi acknowledged it will be difficult to change minds at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, but she said she still feels the need to speak out.

“We should really recognize the ancestors that did the hard work for us,” Chy said. “I wish there was a way that the city could continue to preserve the culture.”