[3] The Carver houses replaced brownstones and tenement buildings which were demolished through slum clearance, displacing residents.

[3] Kahn & Jacobs designed the complex[5] which is named after George Washington Carver (1864-1943), an African American chemist, botanist, and educator who, despite being enslaved since birth, developed many uses for soybeans, peanuts, and sweet potatoes.

[3] The playground was designed by landscape architect M. Paul Friedberg, whose climbable sculpture was inspired by Isamu Noguchi.

[7] In December 1970, led by the Young Lords, tenants organized a rent strike until NYCHA provided more police officers to help preserve their community.

Carver Houses is served by the 23rd precinct of the New York City Police Department, and is governed by Manhattan Community Board 11.