The first Chinese immigrants arrived in St. Louis in the 1850s. Chinatown (colloquially known as Hop Alley) came about around 1869, and over time, grew into a vibrant community with parks, groceries, restaurants, laundries, and other essential businesses serving its residents. In 1955, the neighborhood was demolished to make way for Busch Stadium, which opened in 1966.

The Asia Cafe was the last retail business to be torn down. It opened in 1932 as the Asia Restaurant by Chinese immigrant Gee Leong and would eventually pass into the hands of his daughter, Annie Leong.

When it was announced that the beloved Asia Cafe would be leveled, Annie said, "I was born in this building. It's home and I don't want to leave. I think some of the older Chinese people will be lost when they're forced to move out of this block. I guess I feel like a landmark myself."

Asia Cafe

• Dimensions: 26 x 20 inches
• Limited edition archival print on canvas stretched on wood frame

Annie Leong

• Dimensions: 6 x 6 inches
• [medium TK]

Available for pickup only. No shipping or delivery available. Pieces will be available for pickup after the exhibition ends on Sept. 27. Contact gallery manager Angela Tung at angela@pearlriver.com with any questions.

For unframed prints of other sizes, visit Sammy Yuen's website.