Portsmouth Square, a beloved gathering spot for Asian seniors in San Francisco’s Chinatown, has closed for a two-year, $73 million renovation. The square, which has served as a community hub for decades, was a daily destination for many seniors who would come to play cards, socialize, and enjoy each other’s company.

A New Home for Seniors

With the closure of Portsmouth Square, the seniors are now searching for a new place to call their own. Some have mentioned Washington Square in North Beach as a possible alternative, but others are hesitant to travel that far. The seniors are creatures of habit, and many have developed a routine of visiting Portsmouth Square every day.

According to Lily Lo, founder of BeChinatown, the seniors who frequent Portsmouth Square are mostly Cantonese or Toisanese speakers, and many are illiterate. They have developed a muscle memory of visiting the square, and it’s where they feel safe and comfortable. The square was also a popular spot for residents from nearby single-room-occupancy (SRO) buildings, who would often gather there to socialize and dance on warm summer nights.

Alternative Gathering Spots

Several parks in the area, including St. Mary’s Square, Willie ‘Woo Woo’ Wong Playground, and Betty Ann Ong Recreation Center, are ready to welcome the seniors who have been displaced by the renovation. However, it’s unclear whether these alternatives will be able to replicate the sense of community and familiarity that Portsmouth Square provided.

Edward Siu, president of the Chinatown Merchants United Association, believes that the seniors will find a new gathering spot within a week. He predicts that they will split up and gather in various locations, including impromptu games in the neighborhood’s car-free alleys and outside mahjong parlors.

Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.