then and now.

There are few areas in the City that have been able to retain charm and character as successfully as Newton Centre’s Piccadilly Square.

In 1972, developer David Zussman had the vision to rejuvenate the block of historic buildings on Union Street to its current use as a vibrant shopping destination. Zussman had recently returned with his wife from a trip to London, and was impressed with the fun atmosphere of Piccadilly Circus; hence the name Piccadilly Square.

• 93 Union Street was a meetinghouse for The Grange, the oldest agricultural advocacy group in America. After renovation in the 1970’s, Hip Pocket and George Howell’s Coffee Connection opened with lines out the door.

• Madeline Kamman, The Modern Gourmet, had a cooking school and restaurant, Chez La Mere Madeline, in the space originally occupied by Café Topo, now Sol Azteca. Prior to the 1970’s, it was a book binding operation with dirt floors. The Backyard Restaurant, now Union Street Restaurant, was the original heating plant for all the surrounding buildings.

• 1280 Centre Street was originally a Women’s Club. Rosenfeld’s Bagels was one of the first new occupants over 45 years ago.

Today, with over fifty shops, restaurants, services, and more than a hundred professional offices, located directly on the MBTA Green line, Piccadilly Square has it all!