Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Broadway

Broadway Vision: Watch 15 Years of Transformation in a Single Streetfilm

It's hard to see the big picture of just what has been accomplished between Times and Union squares. That's where Clarence Eckerson Jr. comes in.

Four views of Broadway’s increasing awesomeness.

|Photos: Clarence Eckerson Jr.

The progress on Broadway in Manhattan has been so incremental over the last 15 years that sometimes it's hard to see the big picture of just what has been accomplished between Times and Union squares.

That's where Clarence Eckerson Jr. comes in. The Orson Welles of the streets — who has Broadway B-roll dating back almost to "Citizen Kane" — has now put together a classic Streetfilms video capturing all the changes.

It's a must-see — if only because it will remind you how much can be accomplished when business owners realize that safe, livable streets are better for their bottom line than a bunch of cars stored all day at the curb.

Yes, all your favorite seating areas are here, beautifully maintained by well-funded business improvement districts — yet another reminder that great public spaces should not be the bastion of rich neighborhoods.

And don't miss special appearances by livable streets all stars: Janette Sadik-Khan, Charlie Todd and the irrepressible George Hahn. Enjoy:

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Not So Fast! We Rode NYC Ferry with Would-Be Council Speaker Amanda Farías

Council Member Julie Menin claims she has the votes to be the next Speaker, but Bronx Council Member Amanda Farías has shown a lot more interest in livable streets issues.

November 28, 2025

Book Excerpt Special: Jonathan Lethem’s ‘Program’s Progress’

Class struggle. Infirm secondary superheroes. Suicidal sheep. It’s all in Jonathan Lethem's new collection of short stories, "A Different Kind of Tension." Here's one — featuring class struggle with cars!

November 28, 2025

Special Post-Thanksgiving Friday Video: The Positive Economics of Bike Lanes

Some yahoo in Montreal said that whatever bike lanes cost, they're too expensive! Well, no they're not.

November 28, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Curbside Slide Edition

Good-bye, streeteries, we hardly knew ye. Plus other news.

November 28, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: Giving Thanks(ish) Edition

Yes, let's give thanks. But let us also not forget why we're so lucky. Plus other news for your holiday day off.

November 27, 2025

‘Gold Standard’ Open Street Has Two Paths Forward To Become True ‘Paseo Park’

The DOT is contemplating two options for the 1.3 mile-long linear park in Jackson Heights. Which would you choose?

November 26, 2025
See all posts