Union Square

By Andrew Berman of Village Preservation

As it approaches its 29th anniversary, Union Square-area favorite City Bakery may soon close its doors for good. The bakery and cafe opened in 1990 at 22 West 17th Street (it moved to its current 3 West 18th Street location in 2001) and has become well known over the years for its pretzel croissants, chocolate chip cookies, and decadent hot chocolate that comes with the option to add a massive, homemade marshmallow for $2, as well as the hot chocolate festival it hosted every February. However, as the Post first spotted, a two-part Instagram post last week explains that the bakery is in some serious financial trouble. "We have too much debt, debt which is like quicksand," they wrote.
READ MORE

Food & Dining

Photo by Beyond My Ken / Wiki Commons

October 17, 2019

Publishing giants, radical literature, and women’s suffrage: More secrets of Union Square South

The area south of Union Square, on the border between Greenwich Village and the East Village, is changing. The approval of the new 14th Street Tech Hub south of Union Square combined with an explosion of tech-related development in the area has resulted in the demolition of mid-19th-century hotels and Beaux-Arts style tenements, with new office towers like 809 Broadway taking their place. Aside from being rich in 19th- and early-20th-century architecture, this area is overflowing with history connected to many of the great American artists, writers, musicians, publishers, activists, innovators and artisans of the last century and a half. As part of Village Preservation's work to document and bring to light some of that often forgotten history, we wrote this piece last year exploring the connections to Mark Twain and Walt Whitman, Alexander Graham Bell and Leroi Jones (among many others). Now, we've uncovered even more history-making people and events connected to this area and its buildings, from Hammacher Schlemmer (NYC's first hardware store) to a slew of influential publishing houses (including that which published the first U.S. edition of "Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland") to the Women’s Suffrage League headquarters.
READ MORE

History

PHOTOS: Take a fall foray through the Union Square Greenmarket

All photos by James and Karla Murray exclusively for 6sqft.

October 14, 2019

PHOTOS: Take a fall foray through the Union Square Greenmarket

When the Union Square Greenmarket opened in 1976 as GrowNYC's second-ever market, there were only seven farmers set up. At the time, the area was quite empty and crime-ridden, but the market, along with the opening of Danny Meyer's Union Square Cafe and a major renovation by the city in the '80s, is credited with turning Union Square into the vibrant hub that we now know. Today, there can be as many as 140 vendors, selling everything from produce to fish to meat to cheese to lavender, as well as 60,000 shoppers (and local chefs!) on a given day. And though every season is beautiful and fruitful at the market, fall is perhaps the most colorful, which is why photographers James and Karla Murray thought it would be the perfect time to capture the essence of the market and get to know some of the vendors personally.
Take a tour and watch a special video

Insider Tours

Chase Bank and vegan restaurant confirmed for former Union Square Coffee Shop location

Via alphabetjenn on Flickr

October 7, 2019

Chase Bank and vegan restaurant confirmed for former Union Square Coffee Shop location

Last fall 6sqft reported rumors that late-night Union Square model-spotting icon The Coffee Shop would be replaced with three new restaurants and possibly a Chase Bank. In June, Jeremiah's Vanishing New York confirmed the rumors after learning that an application by the bank to open a branch on the 16th Street and Union Square West corner was approved by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Now, Gothamist tells us that the bank will be joined by fast-casual vegan spot by CHLOE, shooting down rumors that an Outback Steakhouse was moving in. The two spots are planning to open in December.
Find out more

Food & Dining

Image via Wiki Commons

September 24, 2019

Owner of The Strand Book Store will challenge landmark status in court

By Alexandra Alexa

Following a City Council Land Use Committee vote on Monday that confirmed the landmark designation of The Strand, store owner Nancy Bass Wyden said she will sue the city. Wyden has been staunchly opposed to the designation since the building at 826 Broadway was first calendered, citing concerns about costly construction and renovation work that could force her out of the business her grandfather started 92 years ago. Wyden will sue the Landmarks Preservation Commission in Manhattan Federal Court "to start," according to the Daily News, who spoke with her lawyer, Alex Urbelis. Politicians "picked the wrong bookstore and they certainly picked the wrong woman,” Urbelis said.
More details

Policy

Via Wikimedia

June 11, 2019

The Strand bookstore gets landmarked, despite opposition from owner and community

The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted on Tuesday to designate The Strand bookstore as an individual landmark, despite opposition from the store's owner and local community members. Nancy Bass Wyden, who owns the Strand building, did not support designation because she worried that restrictions placed on landmarked buildings would prevent timely construction or renovation of the store in the future. While more than 11,000 people signed a petition opposing the designation, according to Wyden's attorney, the commission voted unanimously in favor of landmarking. "Although this is not the outcome we hoped for, we'll continue to serve our customers as we have done robustly for 92 years," the Strand wrote in a tweet Tuesday.
Full scoop this way

Policy

Preservationist groups call out lack of transparency in Union Square tech hub development

Rendering via NYCEDC

May 6, 2019

Preservationist groups call out lack of transparency in Union Square tech hub development

By Alexandra Alexa

The city’s plans to create a tech hub at 124 East 14th Street near Union Square have been embroiled in a preservation battle since they were first announced. Community organizations like the Cooper Square Committee and Village Preservation have advocated for the past year that any rezoning should come with protections for the adjacent neighborhood, which is largely residential. As the Daily News reported, Village Preservation recently criticized the city for its lack of transparency in the development process, while claiming that it gave out a “sweetheart deal” based on political alliances and campaign donations.
Get the scoop

Photo via Wiki Commons

February 20, 2019

Strand bookstore owner offers a compromise in last-ditch attempt to avoid landmark status

In a heated second hearing before the Landmarks Preservation Commission, the owner of the iconic Strand Bookstore, Nancy Bass Wyden, continued her fight to keep the famed bookseller's building from being designated a city landmark along with seven buildings on Broadway between East 12th and 14th Streets. Instead, Wyden is offering to put in place a historic preservation easement on the storefront, Gothamist reports. The easement would be the result of an agreement between the property's owner and a nonprofit group that would serve as a steward for the building's preservation, ensuring that, in this case the building's facade, would be properly preserved. At a previous LPC hearing The Strand's owner voiced strong concerns that a historic designation would place crippling restrictions on the scrappy business and potentially threaten its future.
Find out more

Policy

See how the redevelopment of Union Square’s Tammany Hall is shaping up

Construction progressing on site; photo via 44 Union Square on Instagram with permission and Newmark Knight Frank

January 25, 2019

See how the redevelopment of Union Square’s Tammany Hall is shaping up

By Andrew Berman of Village Preservation

Construction of the glassy turtle shell-shaped dome on top of Union Square's landmarked Tammany Hall building is officially underway. The building at 44 Union Square, formerly home to NYC's Democratic party machine, is being transformed into modern office and retail space. New construction photos provided to 6sqft show the start of the unconventional dome's installation, with the diagonally intersecting glass and steel now visible from the street.
Construction shots this way

New Developments

From Mark Twain and the Lovin’ Spoonful to Tech Hub: The overlooked history of Union Square South

Photo of 801 Broadway by Jim Henderson via Wikimedia Commons

December 7, 2018

From Mark Twain and the Lovin’ Spoonful to Tech Hub: The overlooked history of Union Square South

Straddling Greenwich Village and the East Village, the neighborhood south of Union Square between Fifth and Third Avenues was once a center of groundbreaking commercial innovations, radical leftist politics, and the artistic avant-garde. With the city’s recent decision to allow an upzoning for a "Tech Hub" on the neighborhood’s doorstep on 14th Street, there are concerns that the resilient and architecturally intact neighborhood may face irreversible change. While they’re still here, take a tour of some of the many sites of remarkable cultural history, nestled in this compact neighborhood just south of one of our city’s busiest hubs.
See the full list

History

Photo via Wiki Commons

December 4, 2018

Beloved bookstore the Strand fights back against landmarking proposal

By Alexandra Alexa

Earlier today, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a public hearing to consider landmarking seven buildings on Broadway between East 12th and 14th Streets, one of which many already recognize as an unofficial NYC landmark -- The Strand bookstore. In advance of the hearing, The Strand voiced strong concerns that the designation would place crippling restrictions on the scrappy business and potentially threaten its future, as the New York Times reported. Referencing the recent tax incentives that Amazon received to relocate to Long Island City, Strand owner Nancy Bass Wyden said, "The richest man in America, who’s a direct competitor, has just been handed $3 billion in subsidies. I’m not asking for money or a tax rebate. Just leave me alone."
Find out what happened at today's hearing

Policy

November 27, 2018

Permits filed for 22-story Union Square tech hub with plans for major digital training center

The New York Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) has filed permits to construct a 22-floor tech hub at 114 East 14th Street near Union Square, CityRealty reports. Officially known as the Union Square Tech Training Center, the 254,000-square-foot, $250 million, facility has big plans to ramp up NYC's high-tech firepower: In addition to affordable office space for startups, market-rate office space for tech companies, and a retail and market area run by Urbanspace, the nonprofit Civic Hall will be running a new digital skills training center at the midblock site once occupied by a PC Richard & Son electronics store.
Find out more

New Developments

The 25-year history of the Union Square Holiday Market

Photo via Flickr cc

November 16, 2018

The 25-year history of the Union Square Holiday Market

Today, flea markets, pop-up shops, and food halls are an everyday part of city life, but 25 years ago, this wasn't the case. In 1993, after working for several years at Urban Space Management in the UK, Eldon Scott arrived in NYC with the goal of opening a holiday market similar to those he'd worked on developing in London. He quickly set up the Grand Central Holiday Fair and shortly thereafter the Union Square Holiday Market. Modeled loosely on Christkindlmarkts, traditional holiday street markets held during advent that began in Germany, the Union Square market is now a holiday tradition for New Yorkers and out-of-towners alike, with 150+ vendors.
More history and info about this year's market

Events & Things To Do

November 14, 2018

Enjoy a Moroccan-style den under a glass rooftop at this $7M Union Square penthouse

The listing for this 3,000+ square-foot gem at one of downtown Manhattan's busiest crossroads calls it a "splendid chateau," and it's certainly that. The most sparkling element of this rare pre-war condominium penthouse at 10 East 14th Street, asking $6.995 million, may be the 600-square-foot all-glass conservatory leading to 1,300 square feet of magical rooftop garden.
Take the tour

Distinctive Homes

Three new restaurants and possible bank could replace shuttered Union Square Coffee Shop

Via alphabetjenn on Flickr

October 24, 2018

Three new restaurants and possible bank could replace shuttered Union Square Coffee Shop

One of New York City's beloved late-night spots will be replaced with three new restaurants and possibly a Chase Bank, Eater NY reported. The Coffee Shop, an iconic Union Square diner known for its fashion model customers and appearances on shows like Sex and the City, closed earlier this month. While no leases have been signed, the property manager told Eater three of the four retail spaces available will be reserved for new restaurants.
Find out more

Food & Dining

LPC calendars 7 buildings on Broadway near recently-approved tech hub in Union Square

Via NYCEDC

September 26, 2018

LPC calendars 7 buildings on Broadway near recently-approved tech hub in Union Square

The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) on Tuesday voted to calendar seven buildings on Broadway in Union Square, marking the first step to designating them as landmarks. The buildings sit adjacent to the tech hub, a 21-story tech training center planned for 124 East 14th Street and approved by the City Council last month. With the hub's approval, the area was upzoned without landmark protections, allowing for about 85,000 square feet of office space and 16,500 more square feet between Civic Hall, step-up space and the workforce development hub.
More here

Policy

Manhattan’s public squares may not actually be square, but they matter

“Public squares, parks, and places in the City of New York.” Via NYPL Digital Collections.

August 15, 2018

Manhattan’s public squares may not actually be square, but they matter

Built to emulate Great Britain's enviable squares, which were actually square, Manhattan's public squares were created in the celebrated New York City tradition of being whatever they pleased–and definitely not square. According to the New York Daily News, Manhattan doesn't have any actual squares at all: Lisa Keller, executive editor of the Encyclopedia of New York City, said "Americans just call it a square if it's bigger than a breadbox." But those 40 squares from Madison to Foley, Herald and Greeley have been vital in defining the city's public spaces; they were its first parks, and a predecessor to the granddaddy of all squares, Central Park.
Squares that shaped the city

21-story Union Square tech hub gets green light from City Council despite community concerns

Rendering via NYCEDC

August 8, 2018

21-story Union Square tech hub gets green light from City Council despite community concerns

The New York City Council voted Wednesday to approve plans to build a new tech hub on city-owned land at 124 East 14th Street near Union Square. As Crain's reported, last Thursday the building received the go-ahead from the zoning subcommittee that was reviewing the development of the 21-story building that supporters expect will be a resource for the "tech-for-good" community and provide jobs for lower-income workers. The project is being developed jointly by the city's Economic Development Corp. and developer RAL Development Service; it is expected to open in 2020. The proposed tech center, which the mayor hopes will nurture budding entrepreneurs in the technology field and bring over 600 jobs to New Yorkers, is planned at the site of a P.C. Richard & Son store, in an area already filled with new developments with more on the way.
Not everyone is excited, however

Landmarks approves three-story glass addition to Willem de Kooning’s former Union Square studio

Revised rendering via DXA Studio

May 15, 2018

Landmarks approves three-story glass addition to Willem de Kooning’s former Union Square studio

Last November, the owner of newly-landmarked buildings at 827-831 Broadway, noted for their cast-iron architecture and as the home of artist Willem de Kooning, submitted a proposal for a four-story prismatic glass addition and landscaped roof terrace that architects DXA Studio say was influenced by de Kooning's work. After sending the plan back to the drawing board twice, the Landmarks Preservation Commission on Monday finally approved the revised design, which reduces the height of the addition to three stories and places it more setback from the street. LPC recommends that DXA use a darker cladding material over 47 East 12th Street to give it a totally matte finish.
Find out more

April 6, 2018

Quirky Union Square artist’s loft with a massive skylight and floating library cube asks $4M

An enormous north-facing skylight is the focal point of this sprawling 3,000-square-foot loft at 60 West 15th Street on the border between Chelsea and the Flatiron District. Currently, the quirky artist's quarters is also home to a large studio area, which, along with 11-foot ceilings, exposed brick and beams, and a very cool floating library cube adds to the ultra-creative vibe of the co-op, which is asking $3.995 million.
There are some things we can't figure out here

March 15, 2018

Banksy returns to NYC after five years with new rat street art

A post shared by Banksy (@banksy) on Mar 15, 2018 at 5:01am PDT Elusive graffiti artist Banksy has graced the streets of New York City once again with a new bewhiskered art offering, this time a rat scurrying inside a clock on the side of a former bank at 101 West 14th Street; the building is slated for demolition in a few months. Banksy posted news of his newest addition via his Instagram account yesterday.
More to come?

Events & Things To Do

Union Square tech hubbub heats up ahead of public review date with mayor’s latest rezoning bid

Rendering via NYCEDC

January 30, 2018

Union Square tech hubbub heats up ahead of public review date with mayor’s latest rezoning bid

In what may be shaping up to be one of New York City's biggest preservation battles of the coming year, Mayor Bill de Blasio's application Monday for a rezoning in order to move forward with a proposed tech hub at 124 East 14th Street in Union Square led neighborhood preservation and affordable housing groups to escalate cries of protest. Community organizations, including the Cooper Square Committee and the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation (GVSHP), restated the urgent need for assurance that rezoning would come with protections for the adjacent residential neighborhood. Preservationists fear the creation of a new "Silicon Alley" near Union Square will bring rent hikes and more condo and office towers. The proposed tech center, which the mayor hopes will nurture budding entrepreneurs in the technology field and bring over 600 jobs to New Yorkers, is planned at the site of a P.C. Richard & Son store, in an area already filled with new developments with more on the way.
Find out more

January 29, 2018

New renderings revealed for Union Square’s Tammany Hall redevelopment by BKSK

The makeover of the landmarked Tammany Hall at 44 Union Square East, formerly home to the Democratic party machine that dominated New York City politics for years, continues to progress, with recently released renderings showcasing a bright, unique office and retail space. As CityRealty learned, there will be multiple retail scenarios on the building's first three floors, with three levels of office space, most likely for finance or TAMI companies, above. Designed by BKSK Architects, the top floor will feature the glistening, shell-like glass dome, allowing an abundance of natural light in, as well as spectacular Union Square views.
READ MORE

January 10, 2018

LPC sends glassy addition to Willem de Kooning’s former Union Square loft back to the drawing board

Back in November, the developer/owner of a pair of newly-landmarked buildings at 827-831 Broadway--noted for their cast-iron architecture and a rich cultural history that includes serving as home to artist Willem de Kooning--submitted a proposal for a four-story prismatic glass addition and landscaped roof terrace that architects DXA Studio say was influenced by de Kooning's work. Yesterday, the Landmarks Preservation Commission received the proposal with mixed reviews, feeling skeptical about whether or not cultural events should influence a building's architecture. After hearing testimony from a slew of local residents and preservationists who feel the glass topper is too large, the LPC decided to take no action on the plan, instead sending the team back to the drawing board to better detail the restoration aspects and reconsider the addition as perhaps shorter and further setback.
More details and renderings ahead

November 8, 2017

DXA Studio proposes prismatic glass addition for Willem de Kooning’s former Union Square home