Reconstruction of Father Duffy Square

The rebuilding of Father Duffy Square represents a new era in the dramatic transformation of Times Square, which some argue began with the opening of the original TKTS booth in 1973 and was an immediate success.

Like its surroundings, the new TKTS ticket booth will be visually dramatic and architecturally spectacular, a landmark of incisive visual clarity. The design integrates the deceptively simple plaza design, amphitheater-like steps, and booth to provide a much-needed refuge from the visual cacophony that surrounds it.   The amphitheater is built entirely from glass and illuminated from within by red LEDs.  The overall effect is of a shimmering, floating carpet of color and light and dramatic backdrop for the statue commemorating Father Francis Patrick Duffy for whom the site is named.

The realization of the new Father Duffy Square represents an amazing partnership between the Mayor, the City Council, and three private entities - the Times Square Alliance, the Theatre Development Fund and the Coalition for Father Duffy. It is the first step in a ten point plan to ensure that Times Square remains the World’s most dynamic and distinctive public space.

A modern mimic of an ancient Greek amphitheater, the new structure – a kind of Spanish Steps on steroids – will provide the best seats in the house to watch the greatest show on earth – Times Square.