MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES PLAN FOR RESTORATION OF HISTORIC CHINATOWN BUILDING

 

 

City to undertake $170 million restoration of 70 Mulberry Street

 Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced a $170 million plan to reconstruct 70 Mulberry Street, a historic, City-owned building in the heart of Chinatown. The building, which was severely damaged by a fire in January 2020, is a cultural and community hub for Chinatown. The plan announced today will preserve and restore portions of the building’s historic façade, add two additional floors, and result in over 68,000 square feet (sf) of space. The building was previously home to five community and cultural organizations, all of which will be welcomed back as tenants. 

 

“70 Mulberry Street has been a beloved gathering place for the Chinatown community for generations,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “After the devastating fire in January 2020 destroyed much of the building, we promised to rebuild. This historic $170 million commitment will preserve the historic façade and add two floors of additional space, ensuring the community and nonprofit tenants have an incredible building to return to. These investments will ensure 70 Mulberry can continue to be a critical community space for generations to come.”

 

The plan announced today is the product of an over one-year community visioning process that featured a community survey and a series of public forums and events. The visioning process was guided by the 70 Mulberry Advisory Committee, consisting of building tenants, local elected officials, and representatives from Manhattan Community Board 3. As part of its work, the advisory committee also commissioned a preservation assessment to assess the condition of the building’s façade and gather repair recommendations. 

 

The restoration of 70 Mulberry Street will include:

 

·         Over 50,000 square feet of space to return tenants

·         A new multi-purpose room new that could serve as an auditorium and gym to provide recreation space to the community

·         Over 6,500 square feet of additional office and community spaces

·         Building enhancements to ensure greater accessibility, including an elevator

 

Substantial completion is anticipated in 2027. More information on the reconstruction of 70 Mulberry Street is available at nyc.gov/70mulberry.