Demolition begins on historic Fresno building

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The City of Fresno began demolition on the historic Bow on Tong building on Monday.

The city acquired the property in January 2025 from the state’s “GO-Biz” grant and will transform the site into affordable housing. Mayor Jerry Dyer said this is also a way to further revitalize the city’s historic Chinatown District.

“This is not the end. This is the beginning,” said Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer. “Today marks a pivotal moment in the revitalization of both Chinatown and Downtown Fresno.”

City leaders held a press conference prior to the demolition to talk about the history and importance of the Bow on Tong building and what will be built in its place.

“The urgent housing crisis within our city’s core,” said Dyer. “This project is part of the commitment to infill infrastructure grants.”

Dyer said the city applied for and was awarded a $43 million dollar grant to work on failing infrastructure and affordable housing developments.

“For water and sewer as well as parking,” he said. “But also to acquire this building behind us, the Bow on Tong building that we will be demolishing and then ultimately rebuilding with housing.”

The Bow on Tong building was one of the city’s oldest buildings in Fresno’s Chinatown. It served as a religious sanctuary for Chinese immigrants back in the 1920s.

“The site that we are standing on today holds deep historical significance,” said Dyer. “But also one that has faced some long standing challenges here in Chinatown.”

The building had been abandoned for 30 years, however in 2022 a large fire completely destroyed the interior, and it became condemned.  

The city also plans to buy the Peacock Building across the street and turn that into affordable housing as well.