The very expensive new condo at 64 University Place will eventually have a very expensive bakery at street level. Dominique Ansel, inventor of the cronut, is bringing his talents to the street at Papa D’amour. Read all about it here.
Many people believe that Union Square got its name from the many labor demonstrations that took place here back in the day. Not true. The reason for the name is much more simple: Union Square was the location of the “union” of Broadway, 4th Avenue (aka Park Ave. South), and University Place. Nothing more complicated than that.
Very Noisy!
Soon to occupy the former Forbidden Planet space is Zumiez, a store with all the latest skateboard fashions.
Now open in the former D’Agostino’s location is Agata and Velentina, a high-end grocery store with an Italian flair. Lots of meats, cheeses, and prepared foods. Prices sort of on a par with Garden of Eden. One gripe: the store layout forces you to follow a single path and the result can be crowding and claustrophobia at certain times of the day. Try it out.
NY1 reports:
New York’s annual block party will return this summer with even more Saturday morning activities for participants.
The Department of Transportation will host the Fifth Annual Summer Streets event on August 4, 11 and 18.
The Summer Streets route runs from the Brooklyn Bridge all the way to 72nd Street along Park Avenue and connecting streets. The seven miles of city streets will be blocked off for activities ranging from yoga to dance classes.
DOT officials also fit thousands of people for free bicycle helmets during Summer Streets as part of its Bike Smart program.
“The streets are for everyone and it’s a great way for New Yorkers to get out and enjoy and see the city in a different way and engage in some really fun, healthy, terrific activities,” said DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan.
One of the highlights this year will likely be a 160-foot zip line at Union Square Park.
On Tuesday morning, the zip line was set up by Fantasy World Entertainment in Union Square for passersby to try out.
“For your first time [it’s scary], after that, you’ll come right back in line,” said Greg Korzeniowski of Fantasy World Entertainment.
“It’s a great idea for a bit of a good rush in the morning, great way to wake you up. I don’t have to have a coffee this morning, I’ve done this,” said one zip line user.
“It was fun. When you jump off, I was a little nervous, but then it was like fun,” said another.
Even NY1’s Roger Clark tried out the zip line. As he stood 30 feet about Union Square, the operators assured him that he would be caught by workers at the end of the 160-feet line.
Clark did have a safe landing, and then wanted to use the zip line again. He wasn’t the only one.
“As soon as I finished I was like, can I go again? I didn’t think he would let me, but he did, so it was fun,” said a zip line user.
Say sayonara to Sumile Sushi on 13th St. near 7th Ave. Started out as super high-end Japanese and morphed into expensive sushi. It always seemed overpriced, even before the recession. Here’s hoping something new and interesting will take over the space.