Chat N Chew: No More

Life in Union Square is about to get a little tastier. The Real Deal reports that Dylan’s Candy Bar signed a long-term lease for 3,300 square feet at 33 Union Square West between Blue Water Grill and Heartland Brewery. Loosen you belts, because sweet addition joins Breads Bakery on the west side of Union Square, which has already become a neighborhood hit with its sweet baked goods.

A tempting lineup of sandwiches awaits at the compact new Make Sandwich shop from Spencer Rubin, who owns the Melt Shop chain. He hired Josh Sharkey, the founder of Bark Hot Dogs, as culinary director. The nine preset sandwich combinations, like tri-tip steak with salsa verde, range in price from $7.95 to $11.95. All sandwiches are made to order in five to seven minutes with ingredients like Parmigiano-Reggiano, organic eggs and Pain d’Avignon bread. You can devise your own from a long list of choices for $10.95, with extra charges for some toppings: Make Sandwich, 135 Fourth Avenue (at 14th Street), 212-398-2602, makesandwich.com.

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.

A fascinating photo of the good old days. The view is north up Union Square East to Park Ave. South, then known as 4th Avenue. Note that the George Washington statue used to reside at the intersection of 14th St. and 4th Ave.

Here’s a view of Union Square from 1985. The angle is from the southeast looking toward the northwest from the corner of 4th Ave. and 14th. Note that in the good ol’ days, the statue of George Washington was located in the intersection. It was later moved to the southern end of the park. 

The W Hotel has undergone a $100 million renovation, including new restaurants and a new rooftop bar. With room rates now at $650, it’s pretty high-end.