In 1904, Lew Hing founded the Pacific Coast Canning Co. just 2 blocks from the terminus of the Transcontinental Railroad. He took in hundreds of refugees from the 1906 earthquake, sent food across the globe to troops during World War I, had a diverse staff of over 1,000 men and women, helped found the Bank of Canton, and fought for the proper rebuilding of San Francisco's Chinatown. His story is one of true entrepreneurial success following the American dream and changing the lives of thousands of people for the better in the process.
As we've been working on the Pacific Cannery Lofts, we've grown close to the amazing story of Lew Hing through his family, our own research, and even the discovery of small buried treasures during construction. We invite you to share in this journey below and visit us in person to see the transformation of the Cannery and the revival of Lew Hing's story in person.
In 1904, Lew Hing founded the Pacific Coast Cannery and began a legacy that impacted the Bay Area as we know it today.
8 years ago, Holliday Development bought the empty cannery, been run-down by years or neglect. At the time, nothing was known of the building's rich history.
Researching their new project, the Holliday team began to unwind the history of the Pacific Coast Cannery and were able to track down Lew Hing's descendents, still living in Oakland. They generously opened their photo albums and hearts to share the amazing history.
In 2006, Holliday Development began the process of bringing the building back to life. To the excitement of Lew Hing's family, his original building would have new life breathed into it, merging the old with the new.
Today, the Pacific Cannery is just a couple months away from being able to see its first new residents and entrepreneurs as the building transforms into the next stage of its existence.
