Taiwan has launched the renovation of a U.S. dormitory complex in Taipei’s Zhongshan District. The homes were built 71 years ago, for U.S. civilian personnel sent to Taiwan during the Cold War. Now in a state of disrepair, the dorms will be renovated and repurposed in a project by the National Development Council.

A cozy Western cottage with Japanese roof tiling. Step in the door to find a living room with a fireplace, three spacious bedrooms, an American-style kitchen, and ample storage on the side. This dorm was built by the KMT for U.S. officials 71 years ago. It’s about to get a new lease on life through a restoration project.

Kung Ming-hsin
National Development Council minister
The renovation won’t alter the buildings’ exteriors, which will continue to testify to American support for Taiwan. But there will be changes on the inside. We will tear down all the walls you see now to create an open space. This space will no longer be used only by personnel of the National Development Fund and the National Development Council. It will be open to all borough residents.

This dormitory complex offers a glimpse into history. In 1949, the KMT government moved to Taiwan, and the Korean War broke out the next year. Seeking to unify the region against the Communist threat, the U.S. sent military, economic, and technical support to Taiwan. This led to the construction of the dorms in 1953. The homes were initially used by American officials, as well as personnel of the Sino-American Joint Commission on Rural Reconstruction. After the U.S. cut ties with Taiwan in 1979, they were used by personnel of the AIT. To the north of the cluster is Taipei’s first American school. There’s also Zhongshan Girls High School, which was established during the Japanese colonial period. Jianguo Brewery is another landmark in this historically important neighborhood.

Jeremy Cornforth
AIT deputy director
This ceremony is a testimony to the long-standing and robust ties between the United States and Taiwan. Since that time, Taiwan has developed into a model advanced economy and a vibrant democracy, and the United States-Taiwan partnership has steadily deepened.

There are old American dormitories all across Taiwan. The best-known ones in the north include the Yangmingshan military housing and the civilian accommodations on Chang’an East Road and Longjiang Road. Similar accommodations can be found along Taichung’s Meicun Road and Kaohsiung Zuoying District. Taiwan officials say the goal is to eventually preserve them all, so that they can continue to bear witness to history.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#台灣新聞 #TaiwanNews #民視新聞 #FTV新聞 #Taiwan