Gateways to Chinatown program is an innovative effort to engender pride of place, foster connectivity, and reinforce cultural and social identity within Manhattan’s Chinatown neighborhood. The Canal Street Triangle is the first program location to embark on a plan, design, and construction of a symbolic and functional landmark at the nexus of Chinatown and the southern entrance to Little Italy’s historic Mulberry and Mott Streets.

In collaboration with the Chinatown Partnership and Van Alen Institute, New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) initiated the Gateways to Chinatown program. This program is the result of decades of neighborhood advocacy and planning in which three community boards, numerous elected officials, and various local organizations and other city agencies and stakeholders have been involved. Public engagement is critical to the success and will continue throughout the design process to ensure that community perspectives are incorporated.

Gateways to Chinatown is made possible by a grant from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, which is funded through Community Development Block Grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Additional funding and support has been provided by the Manhattan Borough President’s Office and Council Member Margaret Chin.