The complex occupies 26.91 acres (10.89 ha).

[citation needed] Demolition of existing buildings on the site began in 1954[4] and eliminated many stores, businesses, and residents.

[5] The development was completed on May 31, 1958, and was named after Robert F. Wagner, who served four terms as senator of New York State and sponsor of the 1937 Housing Act.

[3][6] Its 7- and 16-story buildings are in in-line slab and X-slab formations, covering 12.9% of the site.

[6] The first family to move into the Wagner Houses, on August 3, 1956, moved from a cold-water flat on East 106th Street, which was also demolished to build Franklin Plaza Apartments.