Renamed from Longacre Square in 1904 when The New York Times moved its headquarters here, Times Square evolved from early electric signs to today’s LED behemoths. Pedestrian plazas, event management (notably the New Year’s Eve ball drop), and safety initiatives transformed a once‑congested junction into a global media stage. Zoning around ‘spectaculars’, constant maintenance, and security keep the district vibrant and navigable.
In 1904, Longacre Square became Times Square with the arrival of The New York Times and a major subway hub below. Early illuminated advertisements quickly defined the area’s identity.
The district’s signature glow grew from incandescent bulbs to neon and then to high‑definition LEDs. Special zoning requires large illuminated signs, fostering a distinctive canyon of media.
Since 2009, phased pedestrian plazas reclaimed roadway for people, reducing crashes and improving flow. The New Year’s Eve ball drop draws global audiences, coordinated with extensive crowd‑control planning.
Daily cleaning, lighting upkeep, wayfinding, and security partnerships sustain a safe, 24/7 environment. Noise, litter, and wear are mitigated through design and constant management.
