Zhan Er Ku Introduction
The site was originally built by the Japanese in the Taisho era (1914) as a warehouse for storing sugar and facilitating export transportation. With a history of over a hundred years, the warehouse has no internal supports and features impressive large spans, making it significant in architectural and technical history. It is the largest revitalized old warehouse in Taiwan. During World War II, it was bombed by American forces. In 1962, the Nationalist government reconstructed it using reinforced concrete columns, ribbed steel frameworks, and brick walls. The current landscape retains evidence of its original role as a hub for transferring goods from railway to maritime transport, witnessing Taiwan’s economic prosperity. In 2003, the Kaohsiung City Government designated it as a historical building. The revitalization and reuse of this historical building, known as "Warehouse No. 2," has preserved historical architectural elements like old walls and windows, showcasing the simplicity and rustic beauty of the old structure. The "Plaza in Front of the Warehouse," a popular photo spot among tourists, symbolizes the 24-meter-long silhouette of the original warehouse through a truss structure. The spirit of the space—a starting point for Taiwanese artisans and brands—is represented by "Warehouse," symbolizing gathering, departure, and achievement. Spanning over 3,000 square meters of elevated space, it brings together artisans and representative brands from Taiwan, creating and fulfilling dreams in this historical venue where old and new coexist, thus crafting a new experience for shopping and leisure by the waterfront in Kaohsiung Harbor. The "Big Tree Dining Table Community Space," located in the old wall section of the exhibition hall, offers a comfortable and serene dining experience, with floor-to-ceiling windows bringing the warehouse closer to the ocean view. In its new incarnation, Warehouse No. 2 breathes life into the historical waterfront space through a mixed operation of cultural creations, exhibitions, and dining. The only white carousel in Taiwan is located here at the cultural and creative Warehouse No. 2 by Kaohsiung Harbor, alongside white balloon ferris wheels that allow visitors to soar high for ocean views. The all-white theme captivates many young girls, making it a popular photo landmark by the harbor, perfect for capturing moments both day and night, where the sea breeze carries a sweet taste.
