Manhattan Plaza — the legendary Hell’s Kitchen housing complex that has served as a haven for artists and longtime residents for nearly 50 years — is once again opening its waiting lists for income-restricted apartments.
Completed in 1977, Manhattan Plaza was once envisioned as a luxury high-rise — before the city’s financial crisis led it to become a federally subsidized housing complex for performing artists and local residents. Its unique mix of tenants helped stabilize Hell’s Kitchen during its rougher years, and its hallways have since housed a constellation of creative talent — from Angela Lansbury and Alicia Keys to Terrence Howard and Larry David and more recent starts like Timothée Chalamet. Samuel L Jackson worked as Manhattan Plaza’s first security guard and Al Pacino and Robert De Niro were often seen visiting other famous residents.
Starting today (Thursday), applications will be accepted for two categories: professional performing artists — who may currently live anywhere in the United States — and Manhattan Community Board 4 (MCB4) residents and seniors.
Under the Mitchell-Lama Section 8 guidelines, a “professional performing artist” is anyone working in the creative fields of theater, television, film or radio entertainment who earned at least 50% of their income from performing arts work for the past three consecutive years.
The definition includes not only actors, dancers, musicians, comedians and singers — but also directors, choreographers, writers (of plays, screenplays, or radio/TV scripts), designers (set, costume, lighting), composers, ushers, voice artists and motion picture cartoonists.
Famous residents of Manhattan Plaza — Clockwise: Alicia Keys, Angela Lansbury, Terrence Howard and Larry David.
Applicants must be financially responsible, at least 18 years old, and meet federal income guidelines. Income limits range from $139,995 to $189,000, depending on apartment size and household composition. Rent is calculated at 30% of adjusted household income.
Separate waitlists are open for current MCB4 residents — including elderly residents — of the district bounded roughly by W14th to W59th Street, between 8th Avenue and the Hudson River.
Applicants must live within MCB4, be at least 18 years old (or 62 for elderly-designated apartments) and meet the same financial responsibility requirements. Maximum eligible income ranges from $157,478 to $189,000, depending on household size.
One-bedroom apartments may be occupied by two or three people and two-bedroom apartments by three to five people, including at least one adult or guardian. Preference is given to documented veterans who are New York State residents.
The building’s long waitlists speak to its enduring appeal and rarity in today’s housing market, where median neighborhood rents hover around $4,500. “Once people move in, it’s rare that they leave,” tenant association president Aleta LaFargue told W42ST. “There are people I know that were on the waiting list for 10 years.”
Alicia Keys recently returned to Manhattan Plaza to film the music video for Kaleidoscope from her Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen. Photo: Youtube
Applicants can enter the lottery online through NYC Housing Connect or by mailing a postcard to one of the designated Manhattan Plaza PO boxes listed on the application notice. Duplicate requests will be disqualified. A limited lottery will establish each waiting list, with 1,000 applicants drawn per category. Applications must be submitted online or postmarked by December 15, 2025.