New York City, New York story
A Sanctuary in Chinatown
In the heart of Chinatown, there's a brown brick tower that tells a story of community and aspiration. Confucius Plaza, completed in 1975, was the first major publicly funded hous…
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In the heart of Chinatown, there's a brown brick tower that tells a story of community and aspiration. Confucius Plaza, completed in 1975, was the first major publicly funded housing project built almost exclusively for Chinese Americans. Standing 433 feet tall with 762 apartments, it was developed under the Mitchell-Lama Housing Program to ensure neighborhood residents had access to affordable housing.
Locally, the tower is regarded as a significant piece of Chinatown history, symbolizing a moment when organizers successfully secured public subsidies for their community. Just outside, at the intersection of the Bowery and Division Street, stands the statue of Confucius, sculpted by Liu Shih. It's a place where the towering scale of urban living meets a deep, grounded respect for heritage.
Updated June 2026