Hangzhou Mao Yisheng Former Residence Becomes Art Cafe

The utilization of former residence is a hot topic.

Prior to this, the former residence of Chiang Ching-kuo, directly opposite the broken Bridge in the West Lake, was stationed at Starbucks and McDonald's, which once aroused social concern and heated discussion among netizens. As for the transformation of Mao Yisheng's former home into a restaurant, some netizens share the view of the relevant departments: there is no remains of celebrity objects inside the former residence, and it is better to transform it into an art museum than empty, so that the owners have the motivation and financial resources to repair and maintain the overall structure.

Mao Yisheng's former residence is a historical building in Hangzhou, and Jiang Jingguo's former residence is a municipal cultural relic protection site, both of which precipitate the historical and cultural heritage of Hangzhou. How to protect the former residence of celebrities, and how to maximize the social benefits of the former residence of celebrities after becoming a place of business?

Zhou Fuduo, professor of the Department of Regional and Urban Planning of Zhejiang University and vice president of Hangzhou Ancient Capital Culture Research Association, is a famous ancient architecture expert who pays close attention to the protection of historic buildings such as the West Lake Scenic spot and the former homes of celebrities around him. In his memory, Mao Yisheng's former residence was once a health club and cafe of traditional Chinese medicine, and now it has become an art and life hall, which is not surprising to him. He suggested that there are dozens of former houses of celebrities in and near the West Lake Scenic spot, regardless of whether the property rights are public or private, and he hopes that the government will give more financial support to the protection of the former residences, and at the same time, it is best to set up a special cultural security unit for unified management. for example, some former homes are managed by the Hangzhou Historic Building Protection Management Center, and the center is subordinate to the housing management department. Some former homes are included in the cultural protection sites, which are managed by the Cultural relics Department under the Hangzhou Bureau of Garden and Cultural relics.

He said, "it may be more meaningful to hold an exhibition of Mao Yisheng's deeds to let more people know the history of the construction of modern Chinese bridges, accompanied by business activities such as the sale of souvenirs. The G20 summit is just around the corner, showing the history and culture of Hangzhou is also part of Zhejiang's cultural soft power and should be valued by the government. "

It is not illegal to open a restaurant

The reporter learned from the Hangzhou Historical Building Protection and Management Center that Mao Yisheng's former residence is currently a private property right. According to Article 40 of the regulations on the Protection of Hangzhou Historical and Cultural blocks and Historic buildings, "on the premise of meeting the protection requirements, historic buildings can be used rationally, and those responsible for protection can be encouraged to be open to the public."

Taking into account the protection of historic buildings, the center also requires the kitchen of the restaurant to be located outside the historic building to avoid oil fume damage. In addition, historical profiles such as Mao Yisheng's deeds will be displayed on the second floor when there is no other art exhibition. "the municipal and district administrative departments will regularly supervise and inspect the protection of historic buildings." A small coin from the engineering department of the center told reporters.

According to reports, long before it was listed as a historical building, the interior of the former house had been renovated and reinforced with a steel structure. In 2015, the private owner of the former residence formulated a specific renovation plan and submitted it to the municipal calendar insurance management department for review. after being approved by the expert review meeting, the construction began and was completed in January 2016. The owner is also an investor in Benigni, so Benigni has been cooperating with the protection and renovation of the former home.