Project House @ Chun On Pawn

The site of Chun On Pawn Shop originally housed a grocery store. Following its reconstruction in the 1920s, it was transformed into a pawnshop named "Kei Yuen" by prominent pawnbroker Li Yau Tsun, which was later renamed "Chun On". In the 1960s, ownership was taken over by the Law family, who operated the business until its closure in 2024. The shop frontage is narrow to match the dimensions of the lot. As a result, it was designed with cantilevered balconies instead of verandahs, although they were later enclosed with window frames to maximise interior floor space.

Following its closure, the site transformed into Project House @Chun On Pawn in 2026. Today, this century-old landmark is reimagined as a shared community space passing on the spirit of “exchange” and “safekeeping”, where time, stories, and moments of pause are shared through exhibitions, regular programmes, and community gatherings. The interior retains iconic historical artifacts and the original terrazzo counter from its pawnshop days, as well as security iron grilles at the entrance and staircases. Architectural elements of second-generation tenement buildings also remain visible, including the wooden structures, pitched roof, and brick masonry walls.

Address: 91 Wan Chai Road, Wan Chai

Photo courtesy of OneBite Social & Kit Chan