Annual Meeting: July 30

This is Union Square West in the ’40s. The reason all these buildings are so narrow is that the lots originally held townhouses.

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 Wall Street Journal has a lot to say about what’s happening in our neighborhood. For example: ““I think the area was quite spectacular and bohemian to begin with, but it’s becoming a bit more adult,” said Madeline Hult Elghanayan, a broker at Douglas Elliman Real Estate. “You now see a new, luxury-oriented clientele that’s looking for places to live in this immediate area.“

Your reporter visited an open house at 15 Union Square West. The verdict: the ceilings are incredibly high and the windows are huge. Fixtures are fantastic although overdesigned for someone with more sedate tastes. The most interesting feature: an interior atrium complete with 19th century ironwork and a skylight that will be restored. Incredible to see it. The big problem: these apartments are insanely expensive.

Shanghai Square, the new Chinese restaurant slated to replace Izu/Lemongrass Grill on our 13th St. side has released its menu. First reaction: it’s aggressively boring. There appears to be nothing on it that suggests this will be anything other than another run-of-the-mill Chinese.

COVID strikes again. No holiday market this year. You’ll have to travel up to Bryant Park to pick up your scented candles and knitted mittens.