The New York City Department of Transportation and New York City Economic Development Corporation have released new renderings for a proposed overhaul of Chatham Square in Chinatown, Manhattan. Designed by Marvel, the project is part of the broader Chinatown Connections initiative, a $55 million capital investment aiming to improve public space, pedestrian safety, and neighborhood connectivity. The redesign would transform the complex five-point intersection into a simplified four-way crossing, expand pedestrian areas, and enhance Kimlau Square, which anchors the center of the site.
Rendering of new Chatham Square layout. Designed by Marvel.
Current conditions at Chatham Square present numerous challenges for safety and accessibility. The intersection sees heavy pedestrian traffic, with nearly 10,000 people during peak hours, as well as long crossing distances and multiple vehicle turning points. The new design shortens crosswalks, introduces more direct routes for vehicles, and adds greenery to the space. The Kimlau Memorial Arch will remain a centerpiece, with improved connections to surrounding blocks. The redesign also anticipates accommodating large public events like the Lunar New Year, which the current space cannot effectively support.
Rendering of new Chatham Square layout. Designed by Marvel.
The proposal builds on community engagement efforts that began in May 2025, including pop-up events, visual surveys, and input from the Chinatown Connections Working Group. Nearly 350 comments informed the current design, which emphasizes accessibility for seniors and children and the integration of cultural landmarks. The plan follows the selection of artist Jennifer Wen Ma to design the new Chinatown Welcome Gateway, intended to highlight the neighborhood’s cultural identity.
“The new public space designs reflect our deep commitment to celebrating Chinatown’s cultural heritage while creating a more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant space for all,” said Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu. “By working closely with the community, we’re transforming a busy, congested and chaotic intersection into quality public space that benefit residents and businesses alike.”
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail
Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
Good stuff. Approved.
This is a great plan. I just hope it doesn’t die and get lost in the mayoral transition to Mamdani like what happened with the original plan in the transition to the Adams administration.
Great.More pedestrian areas, more trees,less cars.
I think the demolition of a lot of those hundred year-old buildings which are fire traps should be the first priority. Then you could redesign the roads but again I see roads, disappearing, pedestrian parks, appearing parking disappearing, and it only incentive sizes more people to go to Chinatown and Flushing, Queens and the two that are located in Brooklyn
All these non-asians commenting about how government should run their lives.