What was briefly Rulin hand-pulled noodles on our 13th St. block has suddenly transformed into Taco Lane. Here is the write-up: “Taco Lane, the Asian taco bistro from the couple behind Brooklyn’s beloved Noodle Lane, is officially open in Union Square in the space that was formerly known as Rulin. Taco Lane is owned and operated by Li and her husband, Chris Wang, who have backgrounds in finance and technology, respectively. However, they made a significant shift in their careers to pursue food full-time. Li’s story is one of remarkable resilience spanning from her childhood in China and Flatbush to her becoming a chef. After completing her training at the Institute of Culinary Education while simultaneously working in finance, the birth of her son, Jackson, served as a catalyst for her decision to dedicate her life to the culinary arts. This pivotal moment ultimately led to the successful establishment of Noodle Lane at Smorgasburg in 2011. Subsequently, a brick-and-mortar location was opened in Park Slope in 2023, and now, the latest of the “Lane” locations has arrived in the form of Taco Lane.”

Permits have been filed to build a 12-story 29-unit building at 34 Union Square East. The proposed 124-foot-tall building will have 29,390 square feet of residential space and 1,555 square feet of commercial space. The site formerly held a TGIF restaurant and then the Spacious co-working space. It has been vacant for six years.

Information is sketchy, but it appears that Pan Am Equities, the real estate company that owns the collection of “True North” apartment buildings, including one on our 13th St. block, is now in the process of reconfiguring 24-26 East 13th St., the former home of the New York Health and Racquet Club, into 39 apartments, up from the previous 24. The ground floor and basement may once again hold a fitness facility. It’s unclear if the overall size of the building will change, but it appears not.

The annual report of the Union Square Partnership is available here.

It looks like our local BID wants to stretch its boundaries as improvements to Union Square and 14th St. continue to be planned.

Visit the newly opened Figa at 15 East 12th St. for what looks to be tasty Italian food.

After 48 long years, neighborhood stalwart Japonica has shuttered. Sad!

Soon to arrive at Union Square West and 17th: Portland, Oregon’s Voodoo Doughnut.

Japanese megastore UNIQLO has finally arrived at the northwest corner of Union Square in the former PETCO location. It was also the location of one of the final versions of Andy Warhol’s factory. Stop by to see some special Union Square themed T-shirts.

The Union Square Business Improvement District is considering expanding its boundaries. If you have an opinion about that, take this survey.