The New Union Square: Revealed!

ByDon

Click here to see many images of the new north end of the park.  

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  • Regal 14 Theater Gains Three More Screens But Still Isn’t Open

    ByDon
    After 18 months of remodeling, Regal Union Square in New York was hoping to welcome moviegoers to the theatrical experience of the future.
    The Manhattan branch went through an extensive facelift, changing the 14-screen theater to a 17-screen location. It now includes a panoramic Screen X, as well as an enhanced 4DX experience which combines smell and motion to the filmgoing experience. It’s added a bar, as well as a Lavazza coffee shop downstairs. The building is intended to be one of the flagship experiences in the Regal Cinema’s chain.
    “We’ve had enough of being locked up in our homes, watching movies on handheld devices, TVs,” said Regal Cinemas regional director Andy Stone. “It’s all about going out, socializing, and sharing an experience.”
    It looks like they’ll have to wait a little bit longer. Because of the coronavirus, New York movie theaters are still under orders to remain closed.
    On top of that, the U.S. filmgoing public seems a bit hesitant to return to the movies, even if theaters are given the green light by local governments. Many were hoping that the release of films like The New Mutants and Tenet would kickstart the movie theater business. As of September 28, only New York, North Carolina, and New Mexico have not reopened indoor movie theaters, though some large cities like Los Angeles have kept their theaters shut.
    Regal’s Stone says that for any movies that do release, Regal Union Square and its sister branches are ready to run them for the public. In addition to updating its air filtration system, it has other new safety rules in place, including a requirement to wear masks. Hand sanitizing stations are easily found, and plexiglass dividers have been installed to put a barrier between patron and employee. Its ticket sales system is set up to restrict crowds to meet government requirements on capacity.
    It’s also updated ticket buying so people can scan their tickets themselves on their smartphone. You can also order your popcorn and snacks via an app and pick it up at the end of the counter, eliminating the need to interact with concession employees. Many of these modernizations were in development before the pandemic and ready in time for the age of social distancing.
    “As a business, you know, we really do embrace technology,” Stone explained. “And during this time what it’s done is actually given us that opportunity to work through some of the technological changes that we were looking to implement.”
    In addition to serving cinephiles, Regal is also eager to reopen for the many employees who work at the theaters. The company has had to furlough most of its staff as theaters remain shuttered. Revenue has been down 99 percent year-over-year.
    Stone, who started his own theater career as a concessionist popping popcorn and worked his way up, pointed out his journey is not a unique one. While many teens and young adults work at movie theaters, many chains like Regal have career progression plans which can employ people for life. Closed theaters cut off their livelihood, in addition to the third-party vendors that rely on the movies for business.
    “It’s more than just serving from behind a concession stand and cleaning an auditorium,” he explained.
    He has his fingers crossed that Regal Union Square will be able to open its doors soon.
    “Although there has been a period where we have been starved of our movies, there’s still so much more to come,” Stone said.

  • Irving Mill: 2007-2009

    ByDon

    Grub Street reports the not incredibly surprising news that Union Square restaurant Irving Mill will close on January 1. The restaurant, known for its chef turnover, a major lawsuit, and its one-time super porky menu, has been, how shall we say, underpopulated of late (or, the last year of its life really). Regardless, the owners—two brothers and one’s wife—meant well and it’s a beautiful, large space. And that Ryan Skeen burger had some serious potential back in the day. Life goes on, and this space will go on, reopening as a Brother Jimmy’s BBQ, the fratty barbecue chain, in March. Just think: a new TGI Friday’s and a Brother Jimmy’s? Union Square is looking like the place to be in 2010.

  • Latest New School Construction Update

    ByDon

    Next week, 03/18/2013 – 03/22/2013 mMaterial and equipment deliveries and installation work will continue on all floors inside the building. Roof work, work on the new sidewalks around the building, dismantling of the exterior construction hoist and related exterior building work will also continue. Take-down of the 14th Street sidewalk shed will begin this week and will be followed by continued site work on 14th Street.

    The following week, 03/25/2013 – 03/29/2013 material and equipment deliveries and installation work will continue on all floors and roofs. Sidewalk work and dismantling of the exterior construction hoist and related exterior work will also continue. Site work on 14th Street will continue.

    The site will be open this weekend for continued hoist removal related activities between the work hours of 7AM and 5PM as permitted by the City.