The Julius Mannich Co., a nineteenth-century German trading house in Anping, Taiwan, now a city-level monument, is a unique case of adaptive reuse. Despite challenges such as limited historical data and language barriers hindering the interpretation of handwritten German documents, its transformation into a German-themed restaurant reflects German culture as perceived by locals rather than authentically. This presents a common challenge in repurposing foreign trade houses and consulates in Taiwan. Historical records suggesting prior use by a British trading house raise questions about accurately representing both British and German cultures. Surprisingly, high visitor satisfaction indicates a disconnect between historical accuracy and tourist expectations. Using the Julius Mannich Trade House as a case study, this research delves into the complexities of incomplete historical records, selective reuse of facts, and the delicate balance between historical fidelity and meeting visitor preferences in adaptive reuse scenarios. It sheds light on the nuanced interplay of historical interpretation and cultural representation in the evolving landscape of heritage preservation and tourism.