Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all New York City places

New York City, New York / Landmarks

Confucius Plaza

A towering brown brick landmark in Chinatown, this site combines a historic affordable housing complex with a heroic-scale statue of Confucius, marking a pivotal era of Asian American civil rights activism.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
Confucius Plaza
www.ppaarchitects.com, website_hero_img_www.ppaarchitects.com

What is Confucius Plaza known for?

Confucius Plaza is a 44-story affordable housing cooperative in Manhattan's Chinatown and was the first major publicly funded housing project built almost exclusively for Chinese Americans.

Where is it located?

It is located at 33 Bowery in Manhattan's Chinatown, north of Chatham Square at the intersection of Bowery, Doyers Street, and Division Street.

What is the history of the Confucius statue?

The statue, sculpted by Liu Shih, was cast and dedicated in 1976. It is a heroic-scale bronze figure on a pedestal made of green Eastern Taiwan marble, located on the traffic island at the intersection of the Bowery and Division Street.

Is there any historical significance to the site beyond the housing?

Yes, the site was the location of groundbreaking civil rights protests starting May 16, 1974, led by Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) against discriminatory hiring practices during the complex's construction.

What are the architectural details of the building?

The complex is a brown brick tower block that stands 433 feet tall with 44 stories and contains 762 apartments.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Confucius Plaza is a significant residential and cultural landmark located at the intersection of Bowery, Doyers Street, and Division Street in Manhattan's Chinatown. The center of the complex is a 44-story brown brick tower block, standing 433 feet tall and containing 762 apartments. Completed in 1975 at a cost of $38.387 million, it was the first major publicly funded housing project built almost exclusively for Chinese Americans under the Mitchell–Lama Housing Program. Beyond its architecture, the site is a cradle of civil rights. On May 16, 1974, the construction site became the flashpoint for the first protest by Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) against discriminatory labor practices. Approximately 250 protesters entered the site and forced a work stoppage, leading to months of demonstrations and dozens of arrests. This grassroots movement eventually forced the developer, DeMatteis Corp., to sign an agreement on July 10 to hire 27 minority workers, including Asians. Adding to the site's cultural weight is the Confucius statue, cast and dedicated in 1976. Sculpted by Liu Shih, the heroic-scale bronze figure stands on a pedestal faced with variegated green Eastern Taiwan marble. The monument is situated on a traffic island at the intersection of the Bowery and Division Street, featuring a terrace ringed by sixteen bollards connected by swag chains. The original pedestal was designed by architect W.S. Chen and later renovated by Tieh Chi Ho.

Visitor tips

  • View the Confucius statue from the traffic island at the intersection of Bowery and Division Street.
  • Look up at the 44-story tower to appreciate the scale of this 1975 housing development.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as this site is located in the heart of the bustling Chinatown neighborhood.

Nearby context

Located north of Chatham Square, Confucius Plaza serves as a gateway to the historic heart of Manhattan's Chinatown, blending high-rise residential living with traditional community monuments.

Sources

Evidence and links