Joining Yelp, Net-A-Porter, and Apple, tech companies find a new hub in Union Square (aka "Silicon Square").
"The emergence of Union Square as a destination for technology firms got its start several years ago. But the neighborhood's tech community received a boost this year with the arrival of household names such as computer giant Apple Inc. and the impending arrival of user-review site Yelp," explains Joseph de Avila of The Wall Street Journal.
According to de Avila, the underlying factors that make Union Square more appealing than other neighborhoods are: (1) presence of other tech firms; (2) aversion of the vibe in Midtown and Financial District; (3) access to subway and PATH train; (4) number of restaurants and bars nearby; and (5) building layouts.
FULL STORY: Tech Firms Move to Hip New Home

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This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research