Karate Next to the Lobby
Our new downstairs neighbor on the 14th St. side is Anderson’s Martial Arts Academy. So head downstairs and kick some butt.
Our new downstairs neighbor on the 14th St. side is Anderson’s Martial Arts Academy. So head downstairs and kick some butt.
Construction of the glassy turtle shell-shaped dome on top of Union Square’s landmarked Tammany Hall building is officially underway. The building at 44 Union Square, formerly home to NYC’s Democratic party machine, is being transformed into modern office and retail space. New construction photos provided to 6sqft show the start of the unconventional dome’s installation, with the diagonally intersecting glass and steel now visible from the street. The political organization of Tammany Hall formed in New York City in the late 18th century and helped Democrats control city and state politics for decades. After a few different headquarter locations, the society landed in a building on East 17th Street and Union Square. The International Ladies Garment Workers Union bought the building in 1943. Other tenants have included the New York Film Academy and the Union Square Theatre. Designed by BKSK Architects, the redevelopment project consists of a gut renovation and the addition of four stories of retail space in the building’s base, with three levels of office space on the upper levels, including inside the dome. The architects designed the glass dome as an ode to the turtle which Lenape Chief Tamanend stands upon on a Philadelphia statue. Tammany Hall was named after the leader. According to the firm, the dome is “meant to be both evocative and respectful of the building’s past while also bringing architectural spectacle to this rather staid corner of Union Square.” BKSK first submitted plans to revamp the historic building in 2014. After the project was approved a year later by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, developer Reading International secured $57.5 million in financing. Renovations began in 2016. The dome features a framework of intersecting glass and steel, manufactured by German-based firm Gartner. There’s no doubt the top floor will not only be drenched in natural light but also offer unique views of Union Square and beyond.
Check out the renovated YMCA on West 14th St. at the open house on Sunday, September 13 from 10-2. Kids are welcome, and there will even be a rooftop carnival.
The city’s biggest Duane Reade has opened on 14th St. next to Best Buy and Nordstrom Rack. It’s open 24 hours, as is Best Buy. Shop all night.
The New School says:
Next week (August 29 to September 2), Contractors will continue to excavate earth and rock, and load out material. Installation of bracing rakers and line drilling will progress as well. Concrete foundation walls will continue along the perimeter of the site. Interior core foundation work and underground electrical and plumbing will proceed. Contractors will be removing the interior earth ramp. A small cherry picker crane will be delivered to the site next week and will be stationed inside the Construction fence. This crane will remain there for approximately two months.
The following week (September 6 to September 9 ), we will continue with concrete foundation walls, line drilling, rock excavation, loading out, interior core foundation work, and underground electrical and plumbing. Concrete pours for the slab on grade are anticipated to start this week. The site will be closed for Labor Day weekend (Saturday, Sept. 3 through Monday, Sept. 5).
DEP will continue to repair the water main along 13th Street. As part of this work, the DEP may periodically shut water service off. This work is out of our control.
The retail retreat continues, with the departure of American Eagle from Union Square West.