Union Square (New York City)
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| Union Square | |
|---|---|
| (U.S. National Historic Landmark) | |
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| Location: | New York, NY |
| Built/Founded: | 1882 (laid out c.1832)[1] |
| Architect: | Frederic Auguste Bartholdi; et.al. |
| Designated as NHL: | December 9, 1997[2] |
| Added to NRHP: | December 9, 1997[3] |
| NRHP Reference#: | 97001678[3] |
| Governing body: | New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |
Union Square Park (also known as Union Square) is an important and historic intersection in New York City, located where Broadway and the Bowery came together in the early 19th century; its name does not celebrate the federal union but rather denotes the confluence of several trolley lines, as in the term "union station." Today it is bounded by 14th Street to the south, Union Square West on the west side, 17th Street on the north, and on the east Union Square East, which links together Broadway and Park Avenue South to Fourth Avenue and the continuation of Broadway. The park is under the aegis of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.
Neighborhoods around the park are the Flatiron District to the north, Chelsea to the west, Greenwich Village and New York University to the south, and Gramercy to the east. Also nearby is The New School. The eastern side of the square is dominated by the Zeckendorf Towers.
Union Square is noted for its impressive equestrian statue of George Washington, created by Henry Kirke Brown and unveiled in 1856. Other statues in the park include the Marquis de Lafayette, created by Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, Abraham Lincoln, created by Henry Kirke Brown and James Fountain, donated by Daniel Willis James and sculpted by Adolf Donndorf. A newer addition is a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the southwest corner of the park, added in 1986.
Union Square lies over 14th Street–Union Square, a New York City Subway complex served by the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W trains.
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[edit] Site of social and political activism
The park has historically been the start or the end point for many political demonstrations. In April 1861, soon after the fall of Fort Sumter, it was the site of a patriotic rally that is thought to have been the largest public gathering in North America up to that time.
Union Square is, and was, a frequent gathering point for radicals of all stripes to make speeches or demonstrate. On September 5, 1882, in the first Labor Day celebration, a crowd of at least 10,000 workers paraded up Broadway and filed past the reviewing stand at Union Square. Although the park was known for its union rallies and for the large 1861 gathering in support of Union troops, it was actually named in the 18th century for its location at the "union" of Bloomingdale Road (now Broadway) and Eastern Post Road (now extinct) decades before these gatherings.[4]
Union Square was named a National Historic Landmark in 1997, primarily to honor it as the site of the first Labor Day parade.[2][5],[6]
In the days and weeks following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Union Square became a primary public gathering point for mourners. People created spontaneous candle and photograph memorials in the park and vigils were held to honor the victims. This was a natural role for the Square as Lower Manhattan below 14th Street, which forms Union Square's southern border, briefly became a "frozen zone," with no non-emergency vehicles allowed and pedestrians sometimes stopped and asked why they were venturing south by police and national guardsmen. In fact, for the first few days following the attacks, only those who could prove residency below 14th Street could pass. The Square's tradition as a meeting place in times of upheaval was also a factor.
[edit] Greenmarket and local businesses
In 1976, the Council on the Environment of New York City established the Greenmarket program, which provided regional small family farmers with opportunities to sell their fruits, vegetables and other farm products at open-air markets in the city. The most famous is the Union Square Greenmarket, held Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays between 8 AM and 6 PM year round. 250,000 customers a week purchase 1,000 varieties of fruits and vegetables at the market.[7] The variety of produce available is broader by perhaps a factor of ten than what is found in a conventional supermarket.[8]
Union Square is also known for the Union Square Holiday Market, which is held November 23 through December 24. Temporary kiosks are filled by over 100 artisans, who sell items ranging from candles and perfume to knitted scarves and high-end jewelry.
Union Square is a popular meeting place, given its central location in Manhattan and its many subway lines. There are many bars and restaurants on the periphery of the square, and the surrounding streets have some of the city's most renowned (and expensive) restaurants. S. Klein's department store promoted itself in the middle 20th century as an "On the Square" alternative to higher prices uptown, and late in the century several big-box chain stores established a presence, including Barnes & Noble, Babies "R" Us, Staples and Circuit City. In addition, the W Union Square Hotel opened at the park's northeast corner, in the landmark building that formerly housed the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America.
[edit] Union Square Partnership
The Union Square Partnership (USP), a Business Improvement District (BID) and a Local Development Corporation (LDC), was formed in 1984 and became a model for other Business Improvement Districts in New York City. It had, as of 2006, a US$1.4 million budget. Jennifer E. Falk became its executive director in January 2007.[9]
[edit] The North End Renovation
In March 2008, a controversial 18-month renovation began on the northern end of the park. Proponents argue that the changes will improve the square by adding a private upscale restaurant and renovating existing facilities. Protests and political action in response to the original renovation plans resulted in the concession of expanded playground facilities, but opponents who object to the privatization of the public space in Union Square cite the removal of space traditionally used for public assembly which will occur as a result of the addition of a privately owned restaurant and two new lanes of car traffic on 17th St.[10] [11] In addition, the fate of the historic pavilion building is uncertain and has been brought before the State Supreme Court. [12] [13]
The Green Market has been temporarily relocated to the west side of the park.
[edit] Gallery
 Union Square West |
 Metronome by Kristin Jones/Andrew Ginzel (1999) |
 Zeckendorf Towers between 14th Street and 15th Street |
|
 George Washington Statue in the square |
 Empire State seen from Union Square |
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ About the City of New York: Parks for the New Metropolis (1811-1870). Retrieved on 2008-03-27.
- ^ a b Union Square. National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service (2007-09-20).
- ^ a b National Register Information System. National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service (2007-01-23).
- ^ Union Square: New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, accessed December 12, 2006
- ^ ["Union Square", March 6, 1996, by John W. BondPDF (0.99 MiB) National Historic Landmark Nomination]. National Park Service (1996-03-06).
- ^ [Union Square—Accompanying photos from 1995-1997 and illustration from 1882.PDF (2.72 MiB) National Historic Landmark Nomination]. National Park Service (1996-03-06).
- ^ Greenmarket Facts. Retrieved on 2007-08-04.
- ^ Fishman, Steve. Manhattan Gets Fresh. Retrieved on 2007-08-04.
- ^ Erik Enquist "BID executive makes plans for progress" Crain's New York Business (17 January 2007)
- ^ Opponents pile on Union Sq. pavillion plan at rally. Retrieved on 2008-05-27.
- ^ Groups Protest Planned Restaurant In Union Square Park. Retrieved on 2008-05-27.
- ^ Judge Extends Injunction Against Union Square Restaurant. Retrieved on 2008-05-27.
- ^ Union Sq. work restart O.K.’d, but pavilion is on back burner. Retrieved on 2008-05-27.
[edit] External links
- A History of Union Square, on the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation website
- Photograph of Union Square taken in September 2001, showing flowers and candles left in memory of 9/11 victims
- CENYC Greenmarket Farmer's Markets Official Site
- Holiday Market at Union Square 2006
- The Metronome: Information about the LED display that shows a running number in the south part of Union Square
- NYCfoto.com Photos of Union Square
- Union Square (New York City) is at coordinates Coordinates:
