The intersections of Broadway, 42 St., and 7th Ave were formerly known as "Longacre Square" until 1904 when the New York Times raised its headquarters building and catalyzed development. Theatres, neon lights and the subway transformed Times Square into the American icon it is best known as. After decline in the 60s and 70s, political pressures and a crackdown on crime led to a resurgence in the area restoring its heritage as a premier entertainment destination.
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Broadway and Times Building (One Times Square), New York City app. 1903-1910 Source : Library of Congress Detroit Publishing Company Collection |
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| New York Times Square 1943 Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division |
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| Times Square on a rainy day 1943 Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 |
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Times Square Panorama 2004Source: Wikipedia |
The blog is hard to follow and sentences stop abruptly. You suggest that Times Square is one intersection, although the expanse of the square runs through a few blocks. What do you mean by ‘catalyzed development’? It is true Times Square is known for the Broadway Theaters and neon signs but can you explain how the subways transformed Times Square. What is the ‘American Icon it is best known as?’ What declined, how did it decline, and what lead to the decline? Has Times Square returned to the same type entertainment district or have things changed?
ReplyDeleteGood background information about the site.
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