For such a controversial project, the renovation of the north end of Union Square has been surprisingly quiet when it comes to showing off the goods. Is that because all previous renderings featured the illicit pavilion restaurant? Whatever the cause, broker-blogger and Union Square aficionado Andrew Fine alerts us that the Union Square Partnership has finally ponied up a variety of illustrated plans. You can check them out on the Union Square website, or you can click through the gallery above. Those looking for a smoking gun—like the pavilion being labeled "Shake Shack"—will be sorely disappointed. Those looking for expanded playground space will be greatly pleased. Those looking for protesters who hate the whole idea should click here.
· Union Square Park North End Project [unionsquarenyc.org]
· Union Square Partnership Reveals Hot New Renderings [A Fine Blog]
To those who thought the battle over the restaurant planned for Union Square's renovated pavilion couldn't get any more odd after Wednesday's preaching session, we forward your attention to a highly entertaining set of photos from yesterday's protest. The rally included colonial era hats made out of cardboard, large cut-outs of founding fathers, and soapboxes (literally). We hold these truths to be self-evident, that Danny Meyer probably doesn't have many fans in this crowd.
· Rally and Surprise Party - Save Union Square 6.5.08 [Flickr/Northcountry Boy via Vanishing New York]
· Union Square Pavilion Sporting New Slogan for Summer [Curbed]
A judge decided against extending the restraining order on renovation work at Union Square, clearing the way for continued construction. However, the judge in the case has not ruled on the restaurant topic, and he did issue a temporary retraining order preventing the cutting down of trees and work on the pavilion. [NY1; previously]
The under-renovation north end of Union Square Park is starting to look as messed up as the under-renovation Washington Square Park. Brokerblogger Andrew Fine snapped some pictures of the work today, and besides the intimidating we-must-protect-our-borders level of fencing, the creepiest thing has to be the current state of the two playgrounds, both floating in some gray area of dismantlement. Which probably means now would be the most fun time to play in them.
· Union Square Park Destructo-Pics [A Fine Blog]
· Work Quietly Begins on Union Square Renovation [Curbed]
Eater reported a little while back that the long-delayed remodeling of the north end of Union Square Park was set to begin, and huzzah, the day has come. Broker/blogger Andrew Fine braved the yucky weather (OK, his office is right there) to snap this action shot of workers working. The Greenmarket has been moved to the west side of the park, so you can still get your apple cider doughnuts and fresh game, don't worry. When it's all said and done, the playground area will be tripled in size and the heavily-paved north end will be a lot more green. The controversial part of the city's plan is the inclusion of a new private restaurant space (perhaps a Danny Meyer joint?) in the historic pavilion, where the seasonal Luna Park was housed. This matter has yet to be resolved, so don't bank on that Shake Shack South just yet.
· Union Square Park Reno Finally Underway [A Fine Blog]
· EaterWire: Delays at Zeppelin, Ground Breaks at Union Square Park [Eater]
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