Orchid Island Introduction
Xinzhu Hall was completed in 1934 and was the first department store in Hsinchu, founded by the Dai-Wu-Shih family. It is located in the old city area of Hsinchu and has served as a cultural indicator reflecting contemporary trends at various times. Due to changes in lifestyle, it became less convenient compared to department stores with parking spaces, leading to about 20 years of closure. Hongmei Cultural and Creative decided to assist in its renovation and reopening. After four years of cultural heritage assessment and building repairs, it officially began operations as a mixed-format boutique in 2023. The restoration and reuse of Xinzhu Hall aim to allow more people to engage and experience within a culturally meaningful space, combining with nearby hotels, cafes, craft windows, bookstores, and local neighborhoods to enhance understanding of Hsinchu's local culture, achieving地方創生 (local revitalization) and cultural space activation. During the renovation, the team "Jianyu," who wrote "Pork Ball Soup" in Hsinchu, was commissioned for assessment, collaborating with the professional renovation firm "Xiongben Old House." This effort fostered public interest and recognition of cultural assets during the restoration of the old building and collected operational materials compatible with local culture for use in activities and designs at Xinzhu Hall. It allows locals to see the preservation of old houses that hold childhood memories, and enables visitors to expand their understanding and connection to Hsinchu through Xinzhu Hall, which is the initial intention behind the renovation and operation. Indoors, the experience of past uses of Xinzhu Hall is reflected with restored terrazzo flooring and wooden window grilles that showcase a mix of Taiwanese and Western architectural styles, allowing visitors to trace the different appearances of Xinzhu Hall over the years. Outdoors, efforts were made to retract the original main entrance line and release the arcade space. The sign of Xinzhu Hall is a new plaque that replicates the text from old photos from the Japanese colonial period, and traditional tiles were custom-made from "Sanhe Tile Kiln," providing opportunities for the continuation of traditional techniques during the heritage restoration. Xinzhu Hall has reopened in a mixed format that combines a boutique, bistro, culinary studio, and exhibition space, hoping to preserve this historically valuable building so that more people can recognize the area through cultural experiences, and foster collaborations among more local revitalization units.
2. New Jersey House - First Floor Selection
3. Or New Jersey House - Second Floor Restaurant and Bar Menu
