HOUSTON — You’ve likely been to, or heard of, Dun Huang Plaza, the popular strip center just east of Beltway 8 on Bellaire Boulevard. It's in the heart of Houston’s Asiatown.
Many may not know how the shopping center's business model has allowed many immigrants to achieve the American dream.
"It’s a game changer for us, and it’s a game changer for a lot of business owners," Victoria Luo said.
Luo and her husband own both locations of Fu Fu Restaurant in the complex. The first one opened in 2007.
She said that since the complex consists of commercial condominiums, business owners can buy units instead of being forced to lease them.
"Commercial real estate ... you have to spend a lot of money and not everyone can afford that," Luo said. "But individual units like this, it’s technically like an investment of a house."
Deqing Yang, the president of the plaza’s homeowners' association, said each unit is approximately 1,100 square feet. There are about 136 units in the complex’s three buildings, and many businesses own more than one unit. He said when construction first began in 2005, the complex struggled to attract buyers.
Now, business is booming.
"The issue is that very few people want to sell," Yang said. "So, if you want to buy a space in Dun Huang Plaza right now, you have to wait."
The popularity of the retail condo project inspired the construction of the recently completed Katy Asian Town. For small business owners, it’s created an opportunity for stability.
"Owning your own assets makes you feel safe," Luo said.