Latest New School Construction Update

A huge change of course for the proposed L train shutdown. Even though traffic on the northernmost block of University Place has been reversed, and even though the 13th St. bike lane is in full effect–and constantly blocked by trucks, of course–it now appears that none of this may have been necessary, and the upcoming 14th St. busway may not be implemented at all. Very very confusing. The MTA is ridiculous.

The deli at the corner of University and 13th will become Qdoba, a chain of Mexican fast food. More chain stores in the ‘hood. Signs of the times.

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 last piece of structural steel has been installed at the top of the New School building.

Sad to see that Patisserie Fouet on 13th St. is no more. It closed suddenly and without much explanation. Perhaps an end-of-year lease situation. They do have another location at 776 9th Ave at 52nd St.

Here’s a 1910 view of the south side of 14 St. looking east from 6th Ave. from what was then the platform of the elevated train. As you can see, Macy’s was headquartered there (where Urban Outfitters is now) and expanded along the block over time as it grew. Eventually, the cobbled-together space got too complicated and the store decamped for its massive new digs in Herald Square. If you look closely at this building today, you can still see vestiges of Macy’s red star icon in a few places.