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Online EXCLUSIVE: Partnership Reenergizes Union Square

New retail and residential come to 14th Street hub.

By Paul Bubny | Updated on March 21, 2008

With spring-like weather just around the corner, so is groundbreaking for a large-scale renovation of Union Square Park, one of the city’s best-known outdoor spaces. The biggest capital project thus far undertaken by the Union Square Partnership, the renovation marks another stage in the neighborhood’s revitalization, which has gathered momentum over the past year, says Jennifer Falk, USP’s executive director.

“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.”

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