Similar Posts
The New School Site Used to Be Thomas Edison’s Lab
ByDonSome fun history about 65 5th Ave.
“The New School has been a presence at 65 Fifth Avenue, the site of the University Center, since 1967, when the university converted a Lane’s department store building for student use. But long before the address became associated with educational innovation, it was renown for innovation of another kind. In 1881, inventor Thomas Edison installed at the address (which was then occupied by a handsome brownstone) a permanent exhibition of his electrical discoveries. The biography Edison: His Life and Inventions reports that “the house was thrown open to the public until late at night, never closing before ten o’clock, so as to give everybody who wished an opportunity to see that great novelty of the time—the incandescent light—whose fame had meanwhile been spreading all over the globe.” It is a fitting legacy for the University Center, which upon opening in Fall 2013 will itself serve as a living teaching tool, with exposed energy and water management systems to provide working demonstrations of sustainable design.”
Where to Get Holiday Pies
ByDonThis holiday season, here are some of Union Square’s best bets for a delicious ending to your Thanksgiving meal. ‘wichcraft (11 East 20th Street, 212 780-0577) is offering apple crumb, pumpkin with graham cracker crust, and pecan pies. Don’t forget a pint of their vanilla ice cream for a scrumptious a la mode option. Starting November 1st, Whole Foods Market (4 Union Square South, 212 673-5388) will be offering 9-inch holiday pies with either an all-butter pâte brisée or equally divine dairy-free crust. Choices include apple, blueberry, cherry, vegan pumpkin, vegan apple-cranberry-currant, traditional pumpkin and pecan. If that’s still not enough to fill your dessert cravings, visit City Bakery (3 West 18th Street, 212 366-1414) for their unforgettable homemade deep dish pumpkin pie.
The New Union Square: Revealed!
ByDonClick here to see many images of the new north end of the park.
Borgo Antico = City Tavern
ByDonGoodbye Borgo Antico on 13th across from our front door. It’s turned into City Tavern, a rather uninteresting bar with regular old bar food.
Secrets of Union Square Peepers Revealed
ByDonAn incredible story about how peepers spend hours looking up the skirts of girls who sit on the steps of Union Square Park.
Oh, Rats (hopefully not)…Composting Has Arrived
ByDonPlease be advised that curbside composting began on October 6, 2024. The program is mandatory and requires buildings to separate food and yard waste from other trash and recycling items. However, there is a grace period until April 2025 to allow buildings to implement the proper procedures and get everything in order.
- We have ordered one bin for each building and have ordered a second for each building in anticipation of participation.
- Residents are required to bring their food waste materials down and place them in the composting bin. The bins are on the second floor of 14th Street and in the garbage area in the back of the lobby on 13th Street. They are in place and ready for use.
- Acceptable materials for the composting bin include all food scraps, bones, dairy, prepared/cooked foods, and food-soiled paper (napkins, paper plates, coffee filters).
- Recycling and trash procedures remain unchanged.
Please see the attached DSNY flyer detailing acceptable materials for the composting bin. Additional guidance and recommendations include:
- Drain liquids before placing food scraps in the composting bin.
- Store composting materials in a plastic bag, brown paper bag, yogurt tub, or a designated organics container. Empty the scraps into the composting bin in the basement.
- To prevent odors, store scraps in the freezer if you cannot bring them down immediately.
- Newspapers, paper bags and certified compostable bags are acceptable in the composting bin. Plastic bags may be thrown in the bin as the DSNY has a method for removing them. Hard plastic, metal, and glass are not permitted.
As a reminder, plastic, cardboard, metal, and glass should be recycled separately and not placed in the composting bin. Regular trash items including Styrofoam, pet waste, or diapers must not be thrown into the composting bin.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me or Mecca at 212-986-0001 or via email at TCunningham@akam.com or MWhite@akam.com.
Thank you.

