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Union Square, San Francisco

O'Farrell at Powell 1963
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Union square can be seen just behind the bus at the right of this photo. Character Candies by Edy's no longer exists as a store.


Union Square Area external link San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 25 April 2010)   •  (Photo taken 1963, slide scanned 2009)   •  (Photographer unknown)   •  © 2009 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #200903_0483BCXS
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Big model heads
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Construction on Maiden Lane was masked with large photos of model heads. This is where Maiden Lane began just across from Union Square.


Union Square Area external link San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 12 August 2008)   •  (Photo taken 13:57:16 Saturday 2 August 2008)   •  © 2008 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #MaidenLane_1466BCX
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Barneys New York
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The corner of Stockton and O'Farrell, kitty-corner from Macys, used to be FAO Schwartz Toys external link for many years. Hard times caused that FAO Schwartz store to close. That store became Barneys New York external link in 2008.


Union Square Area external link San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 12 August 2008)   •  (Photo taken 13:40:20 Saturday 2 August 2008)   •  © 2008 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #Barneys_1796BCX
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Not steps
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After Union Square was remodeled from 2000 to 2002 into its present form. Along Geary street there appear to be steps lining the street. But those steps are actually seating for tourists and lunching workers. Narrow stairs lay between the seating steps.


Union Square Area external link San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 12 August 2008)   •  (Photo taken 13:45:10 Saturday 2 August 2008)   •  © 2008 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #134510_1804BCX
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Much art for sale
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Most non-rain weekends, Union Square is filled with art for sale. This happened to be an overcast, chilly day.


Union Square Area external link San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 12 August 2008)   •  (Photo taken 13:47:28 Saturday 2 August 2008)   •  © 2008 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #134728_1811BCX
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Macy's
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The San Francisco Macy's store is across Geary Street from Union Square. Each level has broad windows that overlook the square. Enter from Geary and take the escalators up for a free high-level overview of Union Square and downtown San Francisco.


Union Square Area external link San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 12 August 2008)   •  (Photo taken 13:48:30 Saturday 2 August 2008)   •  © 2008 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #134830_1813BCX
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Discount tickets
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Beyond the art atop Union Square was the discount tickets building. It was a good place to visit if you were looking for last minute discount tickets to plays and musicals.


Union Square Area external link San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 12 August 2008)   •  (Photo taken 13:49:44 Saturday 2 August 2008)   •  © 2008 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #134944_1815BCX
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Powell Street
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The Powell Street cable cars ran right along side Union Square. This view is across Powell from the Powell at Geary corner of Union Square looking toward Sutter Street.


Union Square Area external link San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 12 August 2008)   •  (Photo taken 13:56:18 Saturday 2 August 2008)   •  © 2008 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #PowelStUnion_1817BCX
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A French pay toilet
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A French pay toilet was near the parking entry. These self-cleaning, computerized toilets are made by the French company J.C. Decaux. To use one, pay a quarter. If you lack a quarter, free tokens are available from several non-profit support groups.
Union Square Area external link San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 12 August 2008)   •  (Photo taken 13:57:54 Saturday 2 August 2008)   •  © 2008 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #135754_1818BCX
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A tour bus
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One of many tour busses passed Union Square, traveling west along Geary Street. This one happened to be crossing in front of Macy's.


Union Square Area external link San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 12 August 2008)   •  (Photo taken 13:57:54 Saturday 2 August 2008)   •  © 2008 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #135912_1819BCX
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A dead end
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A man in a business suit walked down a short dead-end alley just off Union Square. Bagley Place is just off O'Farrell Street near Grant Avenue.


Union Square Area external link San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 25 April 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:07:58 Friday 15 August 2008)   •  © 2008 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #110758_2209BCX
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A shortcut
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A shortcut through a tiny shopping mall was found at Kearny near Sutter.


Union Square Area external link San Francisco, California   •  (Photo posted Sunday 25 April 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:23:54 Saturday 16 August 2008)   •  © 2008 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #CorridorOffPine_2231BCX
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