Seattle, Washington story
A Legacy of 170 Pioneers
Imagine 170 early Chinese pioneers, all pooling their limited resources for a single, bold goal. In 1910, that collective effort built the East and West Kong Yick Buildings, creat…
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Imagine 170 early Chinese pioneers, all pooling their limited resources for a single, bold goal. In 1910, that collective effort built the East and West Kong Yick Buildings, creating the heart of a new Chinatown. The East Kong Yick Building was designed as a four-story hub, featuring retail on the ground floor and hotel space above.
For years, it served as the Freeman Hotel, providing critical lodging and social meeting rooms for immigrant communities before World War II. It isn't just brick and mortar; it's one of the most significant Asian Pacific American historic sites in the United States. In May 2008, the building was reconstructed to become the new home of the Wing Luke Asian Museum.
Today, this National Heritage Site continues to honor the resilience of those who first built it.
Updated June 2026