Union Square Tech Hub Gets City Planning Approval

GRAMERCY, NY — The City Planning Commission voted Wednesday to approve the 21-story Union Square tech hub slated to replace the massive P.C. Richard & Son store on East 14th Street, officials said.

The city's Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and RAL Development Services seek a rezoning to erect the 240,000-square-foot Tech Training Center at East 14th Street near Irving Place that would offer services to help New Yorkers get tech jobs, said a city spokesman.

“The Tech Training Center in Union Square will create a new model for accessing New York City’s tech sector – connecting New Yorkers to modern skills training and job opportunities with growing companies, all under one roof," said Ryan Birchmeier, a spokesman with EDC. "We are thrilled to see the project continue to gain momentum throughout the public review process."

The commission's green light is the latest in a lengthy review of the $250 million project, which will house six floors of training and co-working space for New Yorkers looking to gain a foothold in the tech sector, and another 12 floors of flexible office space for small companies seeking short leases in a lucrative space.

EDC and RAL's rezoning would modify the shape of the structure and boost the allowable size of the space by 54,000 square feet. Some fear that the tech hub will usher in massive development to the area, and now that the project is progressing to the City Council, it may face an uphill battle.

For years, The Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation has sought to impose height restrictions just south of the project. The city has stood against that move in the past, but it is worth noting that newly elected Councilwoman Carlina Rivera expressed support for the tech hub during her campaign –only if the city agrees to the rezoning.

As the local councilmember, Rivera has a large say in the outcome of the project.

Rendering courtesy of Mayor's Office of New York City