3. From Longacre Square to Times Square LangocreSqare was the predecessor of Times Square. It was homes to gangs, prostitutes, pickpockets, and brothels. In 1895, Oscar Hammerstein devoloped Olympia, an entertainment system consisting of three theaters and an amazing roof garder. Olympia attracted crowds from all over. In 1904, the headquarter of New York Times moved to a new skyscraper in 42nd Street and Longacre Square was renamed Times Square. To commemorate the renaming, NY Times had a New Year’s Eve celebration and this was the origin of today’s ceremonies.
4. Great Depression & Onwards After a few decades of vibrancy due to the growth of theaters and musical performances, the Great Depression hit. At first, the theaters were a source of escape for suffering New Yorkers but soon the business and theaters were forced to shut down. An “era of vice” followed. 1960s-1970s: nude shows, erotic bookstores and X-rated movie houses occupied Times Square. Now it was nothing more than a “sinkhole” and considered one of the dangerous places in the city
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6. The number of adult establishments dropped to 36 from 140.
16. Times Square is part of a “Special Midtown District”. There are special regulations to preserve and protect the “unique combination of building scale, large illuminated signs and entertainment and entertainment-related uses” that are central to Times Square’s history.
17. Laws and Codes There shall be a minimum of one “illuminated sign” with a “surface area” of not less than 1,000 square feet for each 50 linear feet, or part thereof, of street frontage. The rules require that the unlit phase not exceed three seconds. Bright lights cannot be switched off earlier than 1:00 a.m.
19. Times Square Domination Consortium formed by companies that operate some of the larger signs in Times Square. It allows advertisers to put up ads on multiples signs. It also makes other marketing techniques available (like street teams).
20. “It's more important now, than ever before, to assure your brand stands out from the competition. New Product launch? Press Conference? Want to "own" Broadway & Times Square for a day? Only ONE place can offer you the Biggest, Brightest & Best of the Times Square Super Signs - in total synchronization... ...and include on-street sampling, a pop-up store, event location permits, event production and brand activation with just ONE phone call.” Times Square Domination − from the Times Square Domination website New Product Launch Packages 8 minutes an hour - $175,000 2 hour block - $200,000 12 hour block - $650,000
21. Times square facts 1.7 million people pass through Times Square every day. Approximately $4 billion were recently injected into Times Square. Half-billion people watch the New Year’s festivities on television worldwide. An estimated 80% of visitors to New York City come to the neighborhood to see the bright lights of the big city. According to Times Square Domination
22. So far this seems to be just advertisement, but can it also be considered art? Vs.
