Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1356079
28 WAC Magazine | wac.net E M I L I O H U E R T A S Looking back, it's hard to believe how quickly COVID shrank the downtown population. At Union Square, we saw our population go from around 7,000 daily to fewer than 1,000 overnight. For months, coming to work seemed like visiting an alternate reality. e streets were nearly empty, many buildings were boarded up, and the whiff of hand sanitizer floated through the air. Behind all the masked faces, downtown's skeleton crew grew to know each other well. At Union Square, we remained open for tenants. As soon as the pandemic hit, our team began working to create as safe of an environment as possible for those who contin- ued to come to their offices. With our close proximity to the WAC, it was great to see mem- bers who work in our buildings running across the street for a workout—when it was permit- ted—or grabbing lunch to go. I personally grew to love the WAC Cuban sandwich! As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, I look forward to seeing down- town come alive once again. I'll know we're on the right track when the crosswalk between Union Square and the WAC is busy once again! For all of 2020's downsides, it was also a year of amazing opportunity." " MICK NEWELL Senior Leasing & Property Manager; Union Square, Washington Holdings