Wenshan Civic Center Introduction
Originally the long-idle and worn-looking Principal's Residence of Muzha National Primary School, after renovation, it has transformed into an elegant building that integrates rustic Japanese aesthetics with modernity, symbolizing the idea of inheritance and the merging of old and new. The establishment of the Wenshan Community Center underwent a challenging process, starting with a work coordination meeting on the proposal for the land designated for the center in May 1999. Through multiple discussions involving community planners, representatives from civic organizations, parents of the school, and local residents at workshops and public hearings, a consensus for the planning and renovation was formed. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in 2002, followed by a grand opening ceremony on October 19, marking the new chapter for the Japanese-style building constructed in 1927. It has taken on the significant task of developing the local cultural heritage, industry characteristics, and fostering community awareness, serving as one of the best examples of repurposing idle spaces. Muzha Elementary School was founded six years before the establishment of the Republic of China, originally a branch of Jingwei Public School. Principal Liu Shanming took office as the second principal in 1946, known for his rigorous management and active involvement in local public affairs, nurturing countless talents, and being deeply respected by the local community. After retiring in 1969, he passed away in 1982, while his wife continued to live in the Principal's old residence filled with decades of memories until her passing in 1992. The Community Center is located directly across from the administrative center of Wenshan District, adjacent to Muzha Elementary School, and is bordered by Jingmei River. The site covers an area of 636 square meters, with internal and external spaces divided into a service desk, auditorium, outdoor square, and versatile outdoor plaza, serving as venues for teaching, public art, tree classrooms, and diverse exhibition spaces, all embodying rich local cultural and symbolic significance. The new building of the center is a two-story construction that displays the historical and administrative development of the district along with local industrial characteristics. To enhance cultural quality of life, it regularly invites artists, cultural workers, and community groups to hold various art exhibitions on the first and second floors, while also providing rental services. The old building, renovated in the Japanese style, serves as an open exhibition space and also offers rental services for the public and groups to host discussions, reading clubs, and other academic activities. Wenshan is a great place known for its rich culture and beautiful landscapes, with abundant historical and industrial characteristics. A visit to this elegant community center allows one to learn about Wenshan's past and present while experiencing a beautifully elegant building of historical value, and we warmly look forward to the arrival of all citizens!
