A bowtie. That’s what Times Square actually resembles. It is not a square at all. But today, we’re focusing on the Times Square Building.
The Times Square Building stands tall. It is a major commercial intersection. This entertainment hub is a must-see destination.
Once known as Longacre Square, the area was renamed in 1904. This happened after The New York Times moved its headquarters there. The newspaper moved into a brand-new skyscraper. That skyscraper is now One Times Square.
But here’s a surprising twist. The New York Times moved to bigger offices in 1913. These new offices were one block west of the square. But the name “Times Square” stuck.
Did you know Times Square makes up 10% of New York’s economy? It brings in about $110 billion annually. That is a staggering figure.
The Times Square Building became famous for the New Year’s Eve ball drop. The first ball drop was on December 31, 1907. The illuminated ball is lowered from the roof of One Times Square. This tradition continues to attract over a million visitors. A worldwide audience of one billion or more watches.
Times Square has earned nicknames like “the Crossroads of the World”. It is also called “the heart of the Great White Way”. The Great White Way refers to the light emitted by the billboards.
Speaking of billboards, the first electric billboard appeared in 1904. It was just three weeks after the square was renamed. Today, city law requires buildings in Times Square to have billboards. These have become a tourist attraction.
Times Square is indeed brightly lit. Its illuminations can even be seen from space. Astronauts can spot the bright spot from high in the sky.
Times Square has undergone significant transformations. In the early 1900s, it was full of theaters and restaurants. By the 1960s, it had declined. The 70s and 80s saw it gain a reputation as a dodgy area. Crime increased in NYC. Times Square became a hub for it.
But in the 1980s and 1990s, a building boom occurred. The city invested in making it family-friendly. It certainly paid off.
Today, about 330,000 people pass through Times Square daily. Many of them are tourists. It is one of the top visited sites in the world. The number is estimated at 50 million visitors every year.
Times Square continues to evolve. It remains a symbol of New York City. Its bright lights and bustling atmosphere capture the imagination. It is a place where millions gather to celebrate. It is a place where memories are made.