The Union Square district’s momentum has increased recently.

As measured by the Union Square Partnership, retail storefront occupancy of 82% in April — a 68% jump over the last quarter of 2024 — has since hit 88.5%, propelled by large recent leases such as Uniqlo’s deal for over 19,000 square feet at 860 Broadway.

More than 17,000 square feet of retail was leased in the second quarter, more than seven times the volume in the second quarter of 2024. Leading the food-and-beverage charge is Time Out Market, which will soon replace Urbanspace with a 10,000 square-foot hall on the ground floor of Zero Irving. It will be a smaller version of the DUMBO original.

Curbed has a big article outlining and analyzing all the current, upcoming, and potential efforts to make 14th St. better in all sorts of ways.

What used to be PetCo at the northwest corner of Union Square will soon become Uniqlo.

After 13 years, Corkbuzz, our downstairs neighbor, is done. Its other location, in Chelsea Market, will remain open.

Here is a photo of 5th Avenue looking north at 14th St. sometime in the 1940s. Note that 5th Avenue was a two-way street at the time.

Enjoy beloved films under the stars at these free outdoor screenings presented by Alamo Drafthouse on four select Thursdays in Union Square Park. Arrive early to enjoy fun pre-show activities starting at 7 p.m., and bring your own blanket to secure a cozy spot before the movies begin at 8 p.m. Limited seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

2025 Schedule:

• July 24: The Muppets Take Manhattan

• July 31: Men in Black

• August 7: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three

• August 14: 13 Going on 30

Torch & Crown Beer Garden is back for its third season in the Union Square Park Pavilion, serving up locally brewed beers and fan favorites like the Lou Burger, pizza, and pretzels.

From now through early November, enjoy:

• Jazz with Geoff Burke on Sundays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Trivia nights with NYC Trivia League on Mondays at 6:30 p.m.
• Live music Fridays with Shawn Parsons and Matthew Lee & The Standbys, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

NYLaughs presents a free comedy night in Union Square Park on Thursday, June 5, from 6 p.m to 9:15 p.m., kicking off a weekend comedy festival around the neighborhood.

Enjoy top comedians—from TV headliners to rising stars—curated to showcase NYC’s diverse voices. Presented with The Stand and Union Square Partnership.

The Union Square Night Market by Urbanspace returns to the South Plaza, featuring over 35 rotating local food vendors serving a diverse mix of flavors and summer fun.

Open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., it’s the perfect place to enjoy bold bites, good company, and the energy of summer evenings.

2025 Schedule:

• Thursdays & Fridays: Now through June 27

• Thursdays only: July 24 – August 7

• Thursdays & Fridays: September 4 – October 17

Now available at 42 University Place: He He Cha Bubble Tea.