Union Square Tech Hub Scores $100K Microsoft Grant

GRAMERCHY, NY — Microsoft is backing the city's proposed Union Square Tech Training Center with an $100,000 grant.

The multinational technology company has committed the cash to Civic Hall, the non-profit that will run a digital skills training center in the 21-story hub aimed at helping New Yorkers break into the tech industry, the city's Economic Development Corporation announced Wednesday.

Slated to replace the former P.C. Richard & Son store at East 14th Street and Irving Place, the Union Square tech center will house 20 classrooms across three floors offering tech and job training to help locals start careers in technology.

Civic Hall has joined forces with city, looking to target those trainings toward New York's underserved communities.

“We live in a time where technology is rapidly changing our economy and our city” said Andrew Rasiej, the founder and CEO of Civic Hall. “We are proud to [be] working closely with Microsoft so that the Tech Training Center in Union Square can help ensure that every New Yorker, regardless of background, has access to free or low cost digital skills training and jobs in New York’s 21st century economy”

The city's Economic Development Corporation and RAL Development Services seek a rezoning to construct the 240,000-square-foot center. The rezoning would modify the building's shape and increase the allowable size by 54,000 square feet, but some fear the tech hub will usher in massive development to the area.

At a July City Council committee hearing the local councilwoman, Carlina Rivera, offered conditional support for the project, calling on the city to offer land use protections from hyper development to the neighborhoods surrounding the tech hub.

The City Planning Commission and Community Board 3 have previously voted in favor of the tech hub. The July hearing was the last opportunity for public comment on the project before the proposal heads to the full City Council for a final vote.

Image courtesy of Mayor's Office of New York City