Kids’ Day Out in Union Square

Yes, it happened. Spice has replaced Tong on 13th St. Too bad. Tong was an unusual take on Thai. Perhaps too unusual for the masses. Next question: what will become of the Spice space? Let’s hope it’s not destined to become a bank.

Next week (November 7 to November 11), DOT approved street connections to underground utilities on Fifth Avenue and 13th street will continue. Superstructure work will continue at cellar, 1st, and 2nd floor levels. A sidewalk shed will be erected around the perimeter of the site.

The following week (November 14 to November 18), we will continue superstructure concrete and slabs. Street utility connection work will continue. A street crane will be moved into position on 13th street to place structural steel in the building.

This weekend the site will be open on Saturday, November 5th for superstructure related activities between the work hours of 9AM and 5PM as permitted by the City. To control noise levels within the site, work activities will be limited to the placement of formwork, plumbing and electrical work, and rebar for concrete placement and use of the crane and equipment to support all activities.

Ralph Lauren Denim and Supply, a fixture on the corner of University and 12th for the past few years, is done.

The upscaling of 14th St. continues just three doors down, where Le Petit Belge has opened. Stop in for a Belgian waffle. $3.50 is a bit pricey for what’s essentially a zeppole, but they are pretty good, and who would have ever thought we’d have a takeout place on our block that features not one but six crystal chandeliers? New York magazine says: “When the waffles-to-go kiosk that Belgian expats Maor Livni and Greg Galel had planned for Logan Airport was nixed by a security-crazed fire marshal, the partners transplanted the business to Manhattan, where they’ve converted the former Tavalon tea shop into Le Petit Belge. A shrine of sorts to all things Belgian—or at least to Liège waffles, various imported chocolates, and paper cones full of mini-pancakes they call “poffys”—the shop takes a cannily ecumenical approach to New York snack food. That’s why it also serves frozen yogurt, provided by Berrywild, and rugalach made with Callebaut chocolate. And tea drinkers will still find the Tavalon line, in hot, frozen, and bubble varieties.”

USP received valuable feedback on streetscape elements and public space amenities around the neighborhood, including priorities for infrastructure improvements on surrounding streets and within Union Square Park.

Street trees (91%) and City Benches (87%) received the highest rates of satisfaction among City-operated elements, and seasonal plantings (95%) and bistro tables + chairs (92%) received the highest rates among USP-operated amenities. Respondents expressed a desire for additional trees and seating districtwide, as well as bike racks, protected bus shelters, and investments in the park to enhance landscaping, lighting, public restrooms, and the dog run.

The survey also revealed top priorities for public realm investments, which align with the Union Square-14th Street District Vision Plan. The transportation improvements rated with the highest level of importance include safer pedestrian crossings (97%), pedestrian streets (92%), and an ADA-accessible subway (87%). 90% of respondents would like Street Seats implemented around the district. USP is incorporating this feedback into the next phases of Vision Plan planning and design efforts.

Next week (December 10 to December 14), material and equipment deliveries and installation work will continue on all floors inside the building.

The following week (December 17 to December 21), Material and equipment deliveries and installation work will continue on all floors.

This weekend the site will be open on Saturday, December 8th for interior superstructure related activities between the work hours of 7AM and 5PM as permitted by the City.