Insights

New York City Council Approves Union Square Tech Hub Rezoning

August 9, 2018 – Press Release
Herrick, Feinstein LLP

Yesterday afternoon, the New York City Council approved a rezoning that paves the way for the new Union Square Tech Hub, a 21-story, 240,000 square-foot building on 14th street near Union Square. The building, which Mayor de Blasio called “the front door for tech in New York City,” is a joint venture between the city's Economic Development Corp. and our client RAL Development Services.

This was one of the first zoning approvals by the City Council under speaker Corey Johnson. Herrick partner Mitch Korbey advised RAL Development Services on the project’s public review, which included approvals by Community Board 3, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, the City Planning Commission and the City Council.

Located on city-owned land, the $250 million project will offer affordable technology training for New Yorkers seeking to join the digital economy. Anchoring the project is the non-profit Civic Hall @ Union Square, which will include a collaborative community space, a conference center, a civic startup incubator and accelerator, and a 21st century learning center. The Hub will also feature flexible office space for technology companies and startups, Class A office space, and ground floor retail and food market space.