[VIDEO] Why Times Square’s Billboards Are Required By Law

Architect Michael Wyetzner leads a walking tour of Times Square in New York City, exploring the surprising zoning laws and urban design decisions that transformed the area from a gritty red-light district into a global attraction. He explains how current regulations mandate extensive illuminated signs, noting that buildings like Three Times Square must incorporate 50 square feet of LED signage for every linear foot of street frontage. Wyetzner highlights the historical context, tracing the area's evolution from its early days with signs designed by O.J. Gude to its revitalization efforts in the 1980s under Mayor Ed Koch, which aimed to maintain its illuminated character while deterring crime.
The tour delves into specific landmarks: One Times Square, where the iconic New Year's Eve ball drops, was originally built as the headquarters for The New York Times. Its subway connection facilitated newspaper distribution and drew crowds, solidifying its role as a public gathering spot. Wyetzner interviews Michael Phillips, President of Jamestown, owners of One Times Square, who discusses the ongoing evolution of the New Year's Eve ball and the building's current use as a 21st-century visitor center.
He also visits the Winter Garden Theatre, which was originally the American Horse Exchange, and the historic Knickerbocker Hotel, built before zoning laws required electric signs. The video underscores how these individual buildings and the city's continuous efforts in urban planning have shaped Times Square into the vibrant, light-filled "Crossroads of the World" it is today.