A One-Hundred-Million-Yuan, Two-Year Renovation Project!“Yangmingshan American Military Club” Transforms into a Cultural and Creative Attraction

▲ Brick Yard 33 1/3 -BY33 American Military Club is a new cultural and creative landmark full of rustic charm and retro American architecture, perfect for photo opportunities. (Photo / Screenshot fromBrick Yard 33 1/3official website)

Reported by Cao Yuehua / Compiled by HowToTrip

Can you imagine nearly 1,000 ping of hidden U.S. military barracks on Yangmingshan? Not only that, but it also housed entertainment facilities such as a club and swimming pool, carrying the mysterious history of the U.S. military’s presence in Taiwan.After two years of restoration and nearly one hundred million yuan in investment, the “Yangmingshan American Military Club” officially opened to the public in mid-January this year. With its nostalgic American-style architecture and rustic design, it quickly became a hit on Instagram and a new hotspot for photo shoots.

▲ In addition to preserving the original architectural appearance, the park has added greenery to beautify the environment. (Photo / Provided by IG,@_weiwei410Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

The American Military Club (Yangmingshan Friendship Association) is located within the U.S. military barracks next to Chinese Culture University. It served as a recreational venue for U.S. military personnel and their families stationed in Taiwan during the 1950s and 1960s, filled with the popular culture of the United States at the time, such as food, music, dance, and more. Among them, “vinyl records” were the most iconic product of the era. The reopened American Club has also been renamed “Brick Yard 33 1/3,” inspired by the 33 1/3 revolutions per minute of vinyl records.

▲ With an investment of nearly one hundred million yuan and two years of effort, the goal was to restore its former appearance, allowing the public to learn about the historical stories of that era. (Photo / Screenshot fromBrick Yard 33 1/3official website)

After the withdrawal of the U.S. military, the barracks fell into disuse. It wasn’t until the promotion of Taipei City Government’s “Old Houses Cultural Movement” that this hidden gem had the chance to see the light of day again. The reconstruction of the club was undertaken by Yutech Technology and designed by the Huang Chao Design Team, with the goal of “restoring heritage and revitalizing cultural industries.” With an investment of 95 million yuan, a new life was breathed into the American Military Club. In addition to becoming a new cultural and creative landmark in Taipei, it also incorporates a music component, featuring a vinyl story museum where old and new cultures and Eastern and Western music intersect.

▲ Every brick and tile in the park is the result of efforts to use the original materials. (Photo / Provided by IG,@emilysandychengSame below. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Upon entering the park, visitors are immediately drawn to the large expanse of red brick buildings, paired with a retro-style courtyard and rustic design, making it feel as if they’ve stepped into 1960s America. To fully recreate the original landscape while preserving the structure, the construction team specifically sought out the kiln that once manufactured the bricks for the club. Although the factory had closed after 30 years, nearly 20,000 tiles were preserved, allowing the club to more accurately restore its former glory.

▲ The pool, combined with the surrounding scenery, becomes a beautiful piece of art.

In addition to restoring the main exterior,the park management has repurposed the existing swimming pool into a new water-stage area, complemented by the surrounding scenery and American-style architecture, making it a must-visit photo spot for tourists.The newly opened American restaurant in the park has also become a popular destination, offering American cuisine with a retro-style interior that provides a unique dining experience.

▲ Dining at the American restaurant inside is also a great choice. (Photo / Provided by IG,@mermaid_april416Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

If you’re still wondering where to go for the New Year, why not visit the Brick Yard 33 1/3 -BY33 American Military Club? Experience the traces of time, admire the American architecture shaped by history, take plenty of beautiful photos, and learn about different cultures, truly embodying the vision of urban cultural exchange.

Brick Yard 33 1/3 -BY33 American Military Club
Address: No. 49, Kaisyuan Rd., Shilin District, Taipei City
Phone: 02 2861 8282
Opening Hours: 11:00–21:00(Closed on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day)
Admission: Free entry (venue rental services also available)