New York City, New York story
A Home for the Community
In the heart of Chinatown, a 44-story brown brick tower stands as a symbol of belonging. Constructed in 1975, Confucius Plaza was the first major publicly funded housing project b…
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In the heart of Chinatown, a 44-story brown brick tower stands as a symbol of belonging. Constructed in 1975, Confucius Plaza was the first major publicly funded housing project built almost exclusively for Chinese Americans. It wasn't just about bricks and mortar; it was a victory for local organizers who used the Mitchell-Lama Housing Program to secure affordable living for neighborhood residents.
Located north of Chatham Square, the complex is regarded locally as a cornerstone of Chinatown history. Whether you're admiring the statue of Confucius by sculptor Liu Shih or walking past the tower, you're seeing a place designed specifically to welcome and sustain a community in the city.
Updated June 2026