The Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation has been working hard to get landmark status for a wide swath of the blocks below Union Square, contending, correctly, that the locations were hotbeds of artistic innovation in post-war NYC. Abstract expression was born here, after all. To see their full proposal the Landmarks Commission, click here.
Construction of the glassy turtle shell-shaped dome on top of Union Square’s landmarked Tammany Hall building is officially underway. The building at 44 Union Square, formerly home to NYC’s Democratic party machine, is being transformed into modern office and retail space. New construction photos provided to 6sqft show the start of the unconventional dome’s installation, with the diagonally intersecting glass and steel now visible from the street. The political organization of Tammany Hall formed in New York City in the late 18th century and helped Democrats control city and state politics for decades. After a few different headquarter locations, the society landed in a building on East 17th Street and Union Square. The International Ladies Garment Workers Union bought the building in 1943. Other tenants have included the New York Film Academy and the Union Square Theatre. Designed by BKSK Architects, the redevelopment project consists of a gut renovation and the addition of four stories of retail space in the building’s base, with three levels of office space on the upper levels, including inside the dome. The architects designed the glass dome as an ode to the turtle which Lenape Chief Tamanend stands upon on a Philadelphia statue. Tammany Hall was named after the leader. According to the firm, the dome is “meant to be both evocative and respectful of the building’s past while also bringing architectural spectacle to this rather staid corner of Union Square.” BKSK first submitted plans to revamp the historic building in 2014. After the project was approved a year later by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, developer Reading International secured $57.5 million in financing. Renovations began in 2016. The dome features a framework of intersecting glass and steel, manufactured by German-based firm Gartner. There’s no doubt the top floor will not only be drenched in natural light but also offer unique views of Union Square and beyond.
The USP says: “We want to hear from you! Our 2025 Community Opinion Survey is now live. Share your feedback, ideas, and opinions to help shape the future of the Union Square-14th Street District. Your responses help us understand the community’s priorities and how we can better serve you. The survey closes 5:00 PM on Thursday, September 18th, 2025 — take it today!”
Next week (November 14 to November 18), DOT approved street connections to underground utilities on Fifth Avenue and 13th street will continue. Superstructure work will continue at cellar, 1st, and 2nd floor levels. A street crane will be moved into position early on Wednesday the 11/16 on 13th street to place structural steel in the building and should be out by the end of the day, weather pending.
The following week (November 21 to November 25), we will continue superstructure concrete and slabs. Street utility connection work will continue. Sidewalk sheds will continue being erected around the perimeter of the site. The project will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, 11/24, and open for work on 11/25.
This weekend the site will be open on Saturday, November 12th for superstructure related activities between the work hours of 9AM and 5PM as permitted by the City. To control noise levels within the site, work activities will be limited to the placement of formwork, plumbing and electrical work, rebar for concrete placement and use of the crane and equipment to support all activities. Safety horns are used, and required by law, to coordinate lifting with the crane and to alert the workers of the danger overhead. We have directed the operators to limit the use of horns to one short sounding and to use the crane later in the day so as to avoid any excess noise.
Art supply store Sam Flax is closing its store at 11 West 19th St. There are big savings on things like high-end office furniture, all kinds of art supplies, stationery, and lots of picture frames. The sale will run through June. 
The magazine shop and discount store on the north side of 14th west of 5th are both gone. What is next?
The 2021 Union Square Partnership annual report is full of interesting facts, figures, and insights about the neighborhood. Click to see.