Amazing Map Shows Neighborhood History

It looks like our local BID wants to stretch its boundaries as improvements to Union Square and 14th St. continue to be planned.

Muji, the terribly chic store for minimalist (and affordable) Japanese household accessories, stationery, and casual clothing, has arrived in the neighborhood on 19th St. just west of 5th. You’ll love it.

What used to be PetCo at the northwest corner of Union Square will soon become Uniqlo.

What: LGBT History of the East Village:
A Walking Tour
When: Sunday, June 26
12:00 – 2:00 P.M.
Where: meeting location available upon registration
Cost: free; reservations required
RSVP: rsvp@gvshp.org or 212-475-9585 ext. 35

Co-sponored by the Lower East Side History Project

Back in the 1880s queer and transvestite bordellos opened on the Bowery not far from the theaters where, 80 years later, Andy Warhol staged transvestite musicals for gay audiences. The East Village was home to the pre-eminent gay artists of the 20th century—Allen Ginsberg, Andy Warhol, Taylor Mead, William S. Burroughs, Quentin Crisp, Klaus Nomi, Keith Haring, among many more. On this walking tour, we will explore significant sites of gay history, along with the artists, writers, and musicians whose contributions dovetailed with LGBT culture. (More information)

The retail retreat continues, with the departure of Bolton’s from the corner of Union Square and University. This is a high-traffic area. It’ll be interesting to see what comes next.

Thai restaurant Spice, which recently relocated from University and 10th to University and 13th now has a new branch at 4th Ave. and 10th. Plenty of pad thai in the neigborhood for everyone.