BUILDING SALE

• Building Sale from private individual to an office user with significant alterations
• Add a right of first refusal to the descendants of the Historic Chinatown Alley, in order to safeguard the rich cultural heritage embodied by this structure once their is no longer use for the site.
• We call upon you and other stakeholders to explore alternative solutions such as registering the site as a federally recognized national historic landmark.
• Recognize the significance of the identified Chinese American historic site and its importance in preserving the cultural heritage of the community.
• Building is not only a cornerstone of Chinese-American history and the last standing original structure from the vibrant Chinatown gold rush era but is the ideal location of a planned mural replicating the Chinese-American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal coin with local Veteran portraits. 
• The sale will displace current tenants including a residential family and retail storefront.
• Yuen family sold the building in 1996 to a private individual with the same use. Told, the Buyers escrow closing date is approximately April 12, 2024.

The Chew Yuen Company was located at 202-204 Walnut Street, Red Bluff California. Dr. Chew Yuen and his sons operated Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from 1865 until 1983. This two-story brick structure was used for TCM and uniquely designed the basement for eagerly attended annual Chinese and American banquet dinners for prominent townsmen. It’s the last and only surviving structure from Red Bluff’s Historic Chinatown, along with the birthplace of the Chew & Yuen family.

We, the undersigned, hereby petition 202-206 Walnut Street, Red Bluff California for office use, and advocate for the preservation of this historically significant building. This petition seeks to add a right of first refusal to the descendants of the Historic Chinatown Alley, in order to safeguard the rich cultural heritage embodied by this structure once the building is no longer in use.

202-206 Walnut Street stands as a poignant testament to the legacy of Red Bluff, California's Chinatown, a community born out of the Gold Rush era because it was the last steamboat stop. As the sole surviving structure from this historic enclave, its preservation is vital to honoring the memory and contributions of early Chinese immigrants to the region.

The building is all that is left of Dr. Chew Yuen and his descendants who practiced Traditional Chinese Medicine from 1865 until 1983, with the last person being Dr. Cahoone Yuen. From Red Bluff to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, and New York, Dr. Chew Yuen's descendants would expand their reach, leaving a mark on Traditional Chinese Medicine history.

Despite Jessica Chew family's earnest offer at asking price on February 9, 2024, exceeding fair market value, the seller declined their bid. Instead, accepted another buyer on February 12, 2024 proposing alterations to the interior that would irreparably harm the building's original design and historical integrity. This buyer would displace a residential family and retail storefront.

Signing this petition, we stand in solidarity with Jessica Chew's family and all descendants of the Historic Chinatown Alley in their quest to preserve this cultural landmark by acquiring the site. Adding a right of first refusal is not merely a gesture of respect; it is an imperative step towards safeguarding the shared heritage of Chinese American's for generations to come. The family suggests using the site for educational cultural enrichment and to place a planned mural replicating the Chinese-American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal coin with local Veteran portraits. 

The significance of 202-206 Walnut Street extends beyond its architectural merits. It symbolizes resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of those who came before us from 1848 until 1949. Moreover, it played a pivotal role in Chinese American history, with Dr. Chew Yuen providing refuge and assistance to immigrants during the dark days of the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act.

Therefore, we urge the buyer to reconsider their alteration plans and prioritize the preservation of 202-206 Walnut Street by first registering the site as a Historic National Landmark. By doing so, they would not only honor the legacy of Dr. Chew Yuen and his family but also contribute to the enrichment of our cultural tapestry.

In signing this petition, we pledge our support to save and repurpose the Chew Yuen Company building for future cultural heritage use. Together, let us ensure that this historic treasure remains a beacon of pride and inspiration for generations to come.