On what would be Uncle Bob’s 89th birthday, we’ll be celebrating the groundbreaking of Uncle Bob’s Place – a new mixed use, low income housing project in the heart of the Chinatown International District at 8th Ave S and S King St. While this won’t be the big bash we’d been planning, with karaoke and dancing at the Dynasty Room Bar, we envision this virtual gathering as a moment for us to feel connected in community as, together, we remember Uncle Bob and celebrate the start of a project that’s really a continuation of what he started so many years ago.
With 126 units that will provide permanent homes for low income families with children, elders, and others; with retail spaces including one designed for the historic Bush Garden, a cherished legacy business and Uncle Bob’s favorite karaoke bar; with the Bob Santos Community Room, a community gathering space for organizing, education, events, parties and more; and with a long term partnership with the Chan family who has deep roots in the community and is the longtime owner of the Four Seas restaurant with its Dynasty Room bar, another of Uncle Bob’s favorite neighborhood haunts – Uncle Bob’s Place will embody Uncle Bob’s values and contribute to advancing his and our vision for the community. Public art and interpretive installations, will lend beauty, meaning and joy to the place and lift up the story of Uncle Bob and the history and culture of our community.
InterIm CDA is grateful to the Bob Santos family for entrusting us with his name and the awesome privilege of honoring and carrying forward his legacy at Uncle Bob’s Place. And, we’re grateful to the individuals giving so freely of their time and talents to serve on the Uncle Bob’s Place Steering Committee, the Uncle Bob’s Place Art & Aesthetic Integration Committee, and yes, soon, the Uncle Bob’s Place Fundraising Committee. This project is truly a labor of love – love for Uncle Bob, and love for the community. InterIm CDA is committed to developing Uncle Bob’s Place in the spirit of Uncle Bob, to best serve the International District community and contribute to its ongoing sense of community, self determination, stability, and vibrancy.
Everyone is welcome to join the celebration, to partake in a virtual toast, and hear about exciting plans for public art that will make the project sing (literally)! For info and registration, go to: interimcda.org/unclebobsplace.
