>> Historic Core
Old Chinatown is a tourism magnet, an extension of NoLita and Little Italy that serves its residents as well as its visitors. The scale of this area and historic Chinatown landmarks within should be preserved.
The creation of Historic Core subdistrict accomplishes two goals: the delineation of this area as the historic center of Chinatown and the preservation of the small-scale, streets and buildings that makes this area unique.
Map: Historic Core |
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The designation of this area as the Historic Core is important given the fact that approximately half of the cultural associations (including the historic family associations) that serve the Chinese-American community are located within this area. This area is also home to the New York City Landmarked Church of the Transfiguration (which is also on the National Register of Historic Places). Additionally, two buildings that are part of the historical and cultural fabric of Chinatown are located here. We are recommending these important Chinese-American landmarks be recognized by both New York City’s Landmarks Preservation Commission and the National Register of Historic Places.
The preservation of the small-scale, streets and buildings of this area
is also imperative. The buildings in this area of Chinatown were primarily
built between 1880-1920, corresponding with the first wave of Chinese
immigrants. The majority of the buildings in this area are six stories
or less in size. Those that are over 10 stories tend to be on the periphery
of the area and do not impact the small-scale character of the Historic
Core area. We recommend that all new construction in the Historic Core
be contextual and that buildings be restricted to six stories or 66 feet,
whichever is lower.
Preserve: Historic Legacy
Chinatown is near important historic neighborhoods, including the Five Points, the Lower East Side, and Little Italy. The Historic Core subdistrict will delineate this area as the historic center of Chinatown and preserve of the small-scale, streets and buildings that makes this area unique.
The Historic Core is home many of the neighborhood’s cultural associations. It is also home to two buildings we are recommending for landmark status: the Mott Street General Store and the Columbus Park Pavilion.
| Mott Street General Store: the oldest, Chinese operated store in Chinatown. |
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| The Columbus Park Pavilion, built at the end of the nineteenth century, is embellished with paintings of golden dragons. |
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