"The Union Square neighborhood is experiencing an extraordinary renaissance and continues to be an in-demand location for national retailers and eateries," says Falk. "There are prime opportunities available, and we would gladly work with any perspective tenants to introduce them to the district."

Falk says the $20-million Union Square Park North End Redevelopment Project is the third and final phase of the park's 20-year renovation, and will create "a spectacular northern gateway to our community." USP is providing $8 million of the funding for the project, which will triple the size of the playground to 15,300 sf; add new restrooms; rehabilitate the historic Pavilion building with space for Parks Department offices and a seasonal concession; and renovate the public plaza, the site of the park's renowned Greenmarket held four days per week year-round. Last year, Falk says, USP planted thousands of bulbs and ornamental shrubs to help the park look its best. In terms of safety and cleanliness, it's a far cry from the 1970s, when, as Falk puts it, "Union Square was known as Needle Park and it was considered unsafe to go there."

But USP's efforts on behalf of its community, which encompasses the Union Square area along with 14th Street between First and Sixth avenues, have gone beyond the beautification of a public space. The partnership's two components—the Union Square Local Development Corp. and the city's oldest BID, which joined forces in 2003—have sought to make the neighborhood inviting to commercial as well as residential tenants. Last year, Nina Shoes established both showroom space and corporate headquarters at 200 Park Ave. South, which overlooks Union Square at 17th Street. Also moving into the district during 2007 were several restaurants, including Irving Mill, Goodburger, Brick Oven Pizza 33, Maoz, the Blind Pig and Thai Me Up; and banking centers for Chase, Bank of America and Amalgamated Bank. They joined a retailer roster that already includes Barnes & Noble, Armani Exchange, Kenneth Cole, Whole Foods Market, ABC Carpet & Home, Circuit City and the city's only Trader Joe's, along with a variety of boutiques.