Let’s Vape

The Union Square district’s momentum has increased recently.

As measured by the Union Square Partnership, retail storefront occupancy of 82% in April — a 68% jump over the last quarter of 2024 — has since hit 88.5%, propelled by large recent leases such as Uniqlo’s deal for over 19,000 square feet at 860 Broadway.

More than 17,000 square feet of retail was leased in the second quarter, more than seven times the volume in the second quarter of 2024. Leading the food-and-beverage charge is Time Out Market, which will soon replace Urbanspace with a 10,000 square-foot hall on the ground floor of Zero Irving. It will be a smaller version of the DUMBO original.

It looks like a crepe joint called Vive Le Crepe will open on University near 13th in a former day spa. It joins an upcoming falafel place and the glam Italian place to come on the corner. That’s three chains filling spaces formerly operated by three local businesses. Times change.

Now open at 12 W 17th Street, Yakiniku Great offers a unique take on Japanese barbecue, sourcing premium Wagyu from across Japan and air-shipping it directly to New York. Guests can enjoy the rich flavor and natural umami of fresh Wagyu while exploring a variety of rare cuts in an authentic Japanese dining experience.

Looks like Popeye’s Fried Chicken may take over the former Foot Locker site on East 14th St. just west of Union Square. Another new aroma for the neighborhood.