Union Square Undergoing $25-Mil Upgrade

SAN FRANCISCO-Union Square is off limits for 18 months while the city spends $25 million to transform the public plaza into an international showcase. When completed, Union Square will take on a look of an Italian piazza, a scene developed by local landscape architects April Philips and Michael Fotheringham.

The architect’s design provides a broad level central court surrounding the existing Dewey Monument that is suitable for concerts, art shows, civic gatherings, as well as sunning and lunching. A cafe and symphony-sized stage will be among the renovations on the 2.6-acre square. Uptown Garage Corp., a city corporation established to run the square’s underground parking garage, will issue revenue bonds to pay for the project.

Surrounded by Neiman Marcus, Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue, Union Square is hub of activity during the day, filled with art shows, lunchtime operas and last-minute rock concerts. The city’s annual Christmas tree is located at the site as well.