This “Then & Now” image for #51 Union Square blends a historic black-and-white photograph with a modern color view, capturing the same urban scene across time. A tall, stone-faced building with rows of windows anchors the background, while the foreground shifts from an older, quieter park-like edge to a contemporary plaza filled with people and street-level activity.
In the present-day portion, pedestrians gather near a glass transit-style entrance, framed by a large palm tree and an American flag flying above. The crisp lines of modern infrastructure contrast with the older architecture behind it, highlighting how Union Square continues to evolve while keeping its recognizable skyline and streetscape.
The historic layer adds texture and atmosphere with soft details, weathered tones, and dense greenery that suggests a different layout and pace for the square. Together, the overlay invites a closer look at changing public spaces, everyday city life, and the enduring character of Union Square as a landmark worth revisiting through archival photos and modern comparisons.