Good morning! We only have love and art for your today…
If you’ve walked along W43rd Street towards Times Square or the subway, you might have glimpsed a sign for the Martin Luther King Jr Labor Center — or maybe you stopped and stared at a wonderful, colorful mosaic mural depicting Black and Puerto Rican union members at work and rest, along with a Frederick Douglass quote, “If there is no struggle, there can be no progress.”
Until recently, the building housed 1199SEIU — the largest healthcare union in the country with 450,000 members. They’ve outgrown the building and found new office space over on 7th Avenue. The 13-story office is slated for demolition to make way for a new development. What about the mural? Read on…
Many of us have come to appreciate the new, virtually crowd-free, Times Square ambiance. And with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to share that affection.
The love fest begins today, with the unveiling of Love Letters, created by designers Soft-Firm. The installation won the 13th annual Love in Times Square Design Competition, and is composed of repurposed and donated plywood from building façades across New York City. Find out more…
Tired of seeing all the empty storefronts? Locals — together with non-profit Chashama — are working on a plan to turn those windows into space that can be used for creativity. Are you a landlord, do you know a landlord? More here…
What we’ve been reading
Here’s your chance to suggest where we need more bike racks. (NYC.gov)
Obnoxious New Yorkers leave for the suburbs — and are obnoxious there too! (New York Post)
The longest-serving lifeguard at Jones Beach has died. #RIP (Newsday)
Restaurants are divided on NYC’s indoor opening plans. (Eater)
Tapestry is 50 years old this week. Here are some Carole King New York landmarks. (Untapped Cities)
Freeze Frame
Thanks to Gary Hershorn for getting up early to photograph the spectacular Manhattan sunrise this morning. Have a great day…