A Japanese colonial-era building in Taipei’s Zhongzheng District (中正) that originally housed a branch of the Tsujiri tea shop has been granted heritage status by a Taipei City Government committee.
Constructed in 1912, the building at 104 Chongqing S Road Sec 1, currently home to a Starbucks, was officially recognized as a municipal monument due to its historical significance, said the review committee, which approved the measure at a meeting last week.
The building’s first floor previously housed the Tsujiri tea shop and Sakaicho District’s post office, and it witnessed the development and prosperity of the commercial area. Its second floor was used for residential purposes, architect Lu Ta-chi (呂大吉) told the meeting.
Photo courtesy of Lu Ta-chi’s office
Lu was at the meeting representing the building’s owners, who had filed the request for heritage status.
The building’s owners plan to restore it to its original appearance, Lu said.
Part of the tea shop’s significance stems from the social standing of its original owner, Tokusaburo Miyoshi, a Japanese colonial-era entrepreneur, who arrived in Taiwan with a recommendation letter from then governor-general Sukenori Kabayama and had connections among politicians and businesspeople.
After Japan’s surrender in World War II, the Tsujiri tea shop relocated in 1948 to Kyoto, Japan, where it continues to operate.
The building’s subsequent owner added a third floor in 1956.
However, the mansard roof, wooden flooring and original architectural form have been preserved, Lu said, adding that they can be restored to their original appearance.
The committee approved the application for heritage status based on the project team’s examination of the building in May and last month.
However, Lu would still be required to submit a detailed proposal and receive approval from the committee before work can begin on the planned restoration.
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