Pui Tak Center Awarded $750,000 Restoration Grant
The historic Chicago landmark secured federal funding to repair its ornate windows and roof.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in National Parks
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The National Park Service has awarded a $750,000 grant to the 98-year-old Pui Tak Center in Chicago. This funding is part of a larger $24.4 million initiative to support historic preservation projects nationwide.
Why it matters
The grant supports the critical preservation of a landmark featuring pagoda-shaped towers and glazed terra cotta details. It is the only project in Illinois to receive funding in this round, providing essential resources to maintain the historic structure.
The 36,000-square-foot facility at 2216 S. Wentworth was built in 1928 and recently listed on the National Register. The $750,000 federal grant complements a $200,000 capital grant included in the Illinois 2027 fiscal year budget.
The players
Pui Tak Center
This historic 98-year-old building in Chicago formerly served as the headquarters for the On Leong Merchants Association.
National Park Service
This federal agency oversees the Save America's Treasures program which provides grants for historic preservation.
Chinese Christian Union Church
This organization has owned and managed the building at 2216 S. Wentworth since 1993.
The details
The grant will fund the restoration of iron and leaded glass windows along with necessary roof repairs. The Pui Tak Center, owned by the Chinese Christian Union Church, is working to complete these upgrades in time for the building's 100th anniversary in 2028.
Timeline
The building was originally constructed in 1928.
The Chinese Christian Union Church purchased the site in 1993.
The building was formally listed on the National Register in 2025.
The center will be featured in the Open House Chicago event in October 2026.
Travel Outlook
This restoration aligns with the broader federal effort to maintain historic infrastructure through the Save America's Treasures program. The project follows a pattern of localized historic preservation initiatives that capitalize on both public grants and private matching funds.
Visitors and local history enthusiasts can plan to view the site during the October 2026 Open House Chicago event. While the center remains an active community space, patrons should check for future access restrictions as the upcoming exterior restoration work begins.
The takeaway
The successful acquisition of federal grants highlights the importance of historic landmarks in maintaining the architectural identity of Chicago. Residents and stakeholders must now focus on the upcoming fundraising phase to ensure the restoration meets the 2028 centennial deadline.
What happens next
The Pui Tak Center is scheduled to be featured in the annual Open House Chicago event taking place in October 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about historic preservation efforts across the city by visiting our National Parks section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
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