With each generation, says Nga Thi Le, a little of Vietnamese immigrants' culture is lost. A new facility could change that.

By DONG-PHUONG NGUYEN, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published August 15, 2003

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Nga Thi Le has big dreams under one roof. She sees a Vietnamese restaurant, a gift shop and office space. She sees residential lofts, a great ballroom and even a day care center.

But most of all, she sees a chance to plant Vietnam's cultural roots in America's soil.

Le, an entrepreneur, is spearheading a massive effort to build Vietnam House, a multipurpose complex that will put the Tampa Bay area's Vietnamese on the ethnic map.

Le and the project's supporters are eyeing property in South Tampa to build their dream. They hope to raise $2-million to purchase a lot on Armenia Avenue, north of Columbus Drive, to bring an architect's sketch to life.

"There are 2-million Vietnamese in America," said Le, 62. "If everyone gave $1, we would be able to build Vietnam House."

Le is coordinating efforts out of her business, Linnie's Fashions, a clothing factory on Kennedy Boulevard and Albany Avenue. She said she wants to leave behind something for Vietnamese-American children and grandchildren, and all who follow, so they can know their history and their roots.

Vietnam House, or Nha Viet Nam, would offer authentic Vietnamese food and gifts. It would also house health clinics, a fitness club and a music center.

Social services would include naturalization classes, job searches and driver's education classes. Cultural preservation programs would encompass an art gallery, a fashion studio and a library.

Le, who immigrated to the United States with her husband and six children in 1984, said any time the Vietnamese-American community holds events, such as wedding receptions and Tet celebrations, they rent out halls from other groups.

She wants the nonprofit Vietnam House to be the place to go - not just for Vietnamese, but all Americans.

"We lose a part of our culture with each generation," Le said. "It's up to us to make sure we preserve our past for our future."

- For more information or to make a donation, write to the Vietnam House, P.O. Box 10573, Tampa, FL 33679.

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