In the early 20th century, the Sam Kee Company was one of Chinatown's wealthiest enterprises. This extremely narrow, steel-framed building was designed in 1913 as Sam Kee's rebellious response to the city's expropriating 24 feet of his original lot for street-widening without compensating him. The store is less than six feet deep. Large bay windows help make the most of space that once housed public baths, offices, shops and living quarters.

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