The West Brighton Plaza, located in Staten Island's West Brighton neighborhood, has been highlighted for its historical significance in public, political, and social history. This housing project, the first of its kind on Staten Island, was developed in two phases: West Brighton I in 1960 and West Brighton II in 1965. The initial phase features 88-story brick-faced towers designed by architect Irwin Clavin, reflecting a shift towards less imposing architectural styles during the late 1950s and 1960s.

The project was originally conceived as a single entity but underwent changes when Clavin was replaced by architects Simon Heller and George Meltzer in 1964. The latter designed a different elderly housing component, consisting of one-story brick garden apartments, which were characterized by low-pitched roofs and wide overhanging eaves. These apartments were integrated into a landscaped environment, promoting community interaction through pathways and gathering spaces.

While the architectural elements of West Brighton Plaza are noteworthy, its social implications are profound. The complex serves as a representation of long-standing patterns of segregation and discrimination on Staten Island. Historically, the area transitioned from a rural landscape in the 19th century to a more urban and industrial setting, attracting diverse populations, including immigrants and African Americans from the South.

However, in 1938, the Homeowners Loan Corporation designated parts of West Brighton as declining due to an \"increasing Negro population,\" leading to redlining that diminished property values and discouraged investment. This systemic discrimination contributed to disinvestment and poverty in the area, further exacerbated by the migration of African Americans to the northern parts of Staten Island, where job opportunities were dwindling.

The historical context surrounding West Brighton Plaza underscores the intersection of housing policy and social equity, marking it as a significant case study in the ongoing challenges of urban development and community dynamics in Staten Island.