Tour the New Zero Irving Building

The long-troubled TGI Fridays in Union Square is finally set to close, as the building goes on the market. “Union Square is so hot down there these days with real quality restaurants it just doesn’t compete well,” explains operator Dennis Riese.

If you’re curious about the plans for the New School’s new construction on our block, there will be a public presentation on February 17. Here’s how the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Presentation is billing it:

On Wednesday, February 17 at 6:30 pm The New School (TNS) will make a public presentation of its current plans for a new development at 65 Fifth Avenue, between 13th and 14th Streets. Having originally proposed a 300-350 ft. tall building rising straight up over the entire site which would have required several zoning variances, TNS is now proposing a much smaller, 16-story, 189 ft. tall (plus mechanicals) building which will set back above the 6th floor and which conforms to the existing zoning for the site. The presentation will be similar to that which was made to GVSHP, other community groups, and elected officials in December. The plans are not yet finalized at this time, but do contain significant details about TNS’ thinking and progress on the design.

The fact that the mass and height of the proposed building has been reduced significantly from prior proposals in a very positive development. However, GVSHP does have concerns about the metal and glass design currently being contemplated for the facade of the building. The public presentation to Community Board #2’s Institutions Committee will be an opportunity to learn more about TNS’ plans for the site, ask questions, and provide feedback about the project.

Attend the public presentation on Wednesday, February 17th at 6:30 pm at the St. Vincent’s Hospital cafeteria on 12th Street.

Signage indicates that a new, and rather large, Greek restaurant will be setting up shop on the east side of University Place around 10th Street.

Basics Hardware is gone. University Place is changing quickly.

The annual sharehoilders’ meeting will take place on Thursday, October 26th, 2023 at 7:00pm and will be held via Zoom conference call; both audio and video options are available. Please see your e-mail for log in instructions or contact Richard Cacciato, rcacciato@akam.com, if you need the instructions.

NYU is slowly but steadily revealing more of its ultimate expansion plans for completion by 2031. They’re epic in scope, and while most of the activity remains below 8th Street, there’s always the chance that their desire to grow will have them heading our way, as if we didn’t already have enough of that going on. Here’s the plan.