Chinatown landmark rings in Lunar New Year with lights show

Vancouver's Jack Chow building has a new look.

The historic Chinatown landmark also recognized as the shallowest commercial building in the world is going to ring in the Lunar New Year with a new-and-improved lights show.

It's the first time the building will take part in the annual Spring Festival Parade, happening on Sunday.

Rod Chow, whose family owns the 103-year-old building, said he wanted to renovate the property to bring some life back into Chinatown.

"It was already an attraction," he said.

"We thought, with that and with the building being a block wide with this facade, let's light it up and do something spectacular."

The future of the national historic site has been uncertain with localdeveloperschompingat the bit.

Despite the pressure, residents say they want thevibrant neighbourhoodto remain intact.

"We want to bringpeople backto Chinatown and we hope that this will be one incentive for people to come down here," Chow said.

The owner said the light shows will pay homage to the Year of the Rooster with splashes of red and gold.

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"Every year has its traits that are lucky and bring happiness and fortune, and Rooster is no exception ... I think it's going to be a strong year for us and for Chinatown to come back."

The new light displays will happenevery hour, on the hour. Extra showsare scheduled forweekends.

The event combines colour, music, and Chinese tradition for a different display every 60 minutes.

With files from CBC'sMargaret Gallagher

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