New Yorkers, a beloved neighborhood staple is officially making a comeback.
Six years after a fire ripped through a historic Chinatown building, the city is breaking ground on a $184 million reconstruction project.
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and city officials gathered to kick off the rebirth of 70 Mulberry Street.
This cherished site has been part of Chinatown’s heartbeat for over a century. Now, it is transforming into a modern, eight-story cultural hub that honors the past while building for the future.
A bigger, better home for the community
When the massive fire struck in early 2020, five vital community organizations were suddenly displaced.
Groups like the Museum of Chinese in America and the CPC Chinatown Senior Citizen Center had to operate at reduced capacity.
This new construction finally brings them back home. The state-of-the-art facility will give all five organizations a permanent space while expanding public areas by 30%.
You can expect six new community rooms, a brand-new kitchen for the senior center, and fully accessible facilities.
One of the most exciting additions is a stunning sixth-floor multipurpose room. It overlooks Columbus Park and connects directly to landscaped outdoor terraces.
The space will host performances, banquets, and cultural events for up to 475 people.
Preserving 1800s history with a modern twist
The original five-story building was constructed way back in 1892. To preserve its rich heritage, the city is keeping two stories of the original historic façade and the classic stairwell.
At the same time, the new 70 Mulberry Street will be incredibly green. The all-electric building will feature a rooftop solar canopy that meets up to 30% of its energy needs.
It is designed to use less than half the energy of a standard commercial building and expects to achieve LEED Platinum certification.
Stunning public art born from the ashes
The rebuilt hub won’t just be functional—it will be beautiful. The building will feature Wings of Everchange, a breathtaking three-part art installation by visual artist Jennifer Wen Ma.
The centerpiece is a massive 33-foot suspended sculpture. It brilliantly uses objects salvaged directly from the 2020 fire.
These items will be encased in amber glass orbs serving as time capsules, creating a powerful oral history archive for the community.
Construction on this massive renewal project is officially underway. The brand-new 70 Mulberry Street is expected to open its doors in 2030.
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