The nonprofit Chinatown Media and Arts Collaborative (CMAC) finalized its purchase of the historic Empress of China building on Wednesday, initiating the revival of the San Francisco landmark into a cultural campus.

The iconic six-story structure at 838 Grant Ave. in San Francisco’s Chinatown, vacant for nearly a decade, has been secured by a community-led organization. This acquisition concludes a protracted dispute over the building's future, preserving a cherished community asset. It is envisioned as a cornerstone for Chinese-American heritage and a catalyst for the neighborhood's economic and cultural revitalization.

What We Know So Far

  • The nonprofit Chinatown Media and Arts Collaborative (CMAC) finalized its $32 million purchase of the Empress of China building on Wednesday, as reported by The San Francisco Standard.
  • The 60-year-old structure, mostly vacant since the famed Empress of China restaurant closed in 2014 after nearly 50 years, was acquired after a decade-long community effort and dispute with its previous owner.
  • CMAC plans to transform it into a modern center for Asian American arts, culture, and history.