Last week saw the latest expansion of the public realm in Midtown, with the official unveiling of the long-awaited redesign of Duffy Square at Broadway and Seventh Avenue, the northern edge of the Times Square "bowtie."

In conjunction with the city, the Theater Development Fund, the Times Square Alliance and the Coalition for Father Duffy repurposed one lane of vehicle traffic each from Broadway and Seventh, doubling the amount of pedestrian space in an area that is notorious for overflowing sidewalks. The project is capped by a new and vastly improved TKTS booth, with a publicly-accessible roof consisting of 27 red laminated glass steps, rising 16 feet above street level. The square will also feature café-style seating, a la Broadway Boulevard, which lies to the south.

Describing the new Duffy Square as a "truly public amenity," David W. Dunlap of the Times wrote: "The best seats on Broadway are now absolutely free." Judging by the crowd Sunday afternoon, the public agrees.

More pics after the jump.

Pedestrians are invited to sit for eating, sipping coffee, and crowd-watching.

A commanding view of the Great White Way.

And to the north: Nothing says "public realm" like a speeding Pontiac.

Photos: Brad Aaron