Chronicle Live at Manny’s: Where does Union Square go from here?

Though it encompasses just a single square block, Union Square has loomed large in San Francisco. Today, it’s in flux.

Over the past few years, the luxury retail destination and its surrounding blocks have lost a number of notable tenants, but none as big as Macy’s flagship San Francisco store, which announced its pending departure earlier this year.

So, what will become of Macy’s 400,000-square-foot home? What does it say about the pitfalls — and potential — of this iconic corner of the city? And what do current retail trends have to do with all of this?

Join Chronicle real estate reporter Laura Waxmann at Manny’s at 6 p.m. April 18, as she hosts a conversation about the past, present and, most importantly, future of Union Square.

She’ll be joined by real estate agent and power broker Kazuko Morgan, who has worked in Union Square for two decades; developer Chris Foley, who has spent 30 years focused on real estate and owns the Market inside the X (formerly Twitter) headquarters; and Anne Taupier, director of development for the city’s Office of Economic & Workforce Development.

Among the topics they’ll discuss: What’s happening today in Union Square? Why are the businesses that have distinguished it leaving? How are shopping hubs faring in other major cities? And could this moment be an opportunity to reimagine Union Square altogether?