NYC Firm Revitalizes San Francisco's Union Square

San Francisco is tackling the challenges facing Union Square with a new initiative spearheaded by Mayor London Breed. A New York-based firm, Biederman Development Ventures, has been hired to organize over 200 events in the area throughout 2025.

The Plan:

The firm, known for its successful revitalization of Bryant Park in NYC, aims to create a vibrant and safe atmosphere through a packed events calendar. Planned events include yoga, concerts, lectures, and family-friendly activities in designated kids' zones and game areas. The goal is to increase foot traffic and foster a positive image of Union Square.

Addressing Safety Concerns:

A key focus is improving safety. Biederman emphasizes that a high level of activity and a diverse crowd are crucial for creating a secure environment. He states, "If you have a higher percentage of females, you know you've got a safe space. We need a long period where there's no incident. To be honest, we can't have somebody attacked there."

Rebranding the Narrative:

Marissa Rodrigues, CEO of the Union Square Alliance, highlights the importance of changing public perception. She believes the current narrative is flawed and encourages people to experience the area firsthand: "The biggest challenge is the narrative. It is not what people think. Come down here, and you can feel it's absolutely alive."

Local businesses, like John's Grill, are hopeful that these improvements will lead to a resurgence in the area.