After Landmark Status, What's Next for the Harvard Square Kiosk

CAMBRIDGE, MA - Originally constructed in 1927-28 by the Boston Elevated Railway and then reconstructed and reused as a newsstand in 1981, the Harvard Square kiosk has been through many changes through the years. This week, the kiosk was placed under consideration for "landmark" status by the Cambridge Historical Commission. But, it could be a while until renovations actually take place.

On Thursday, the commission unanimously referred the the structure for landmark status, which will focus on maintaining the look and feel of the Out of Town News newsstand, which opened at the location in 1984.

According to Cambridge Historical Society Executive Director Charles Sullivan, the structure is significant for its architecture and method of construction, and for its associations with the suburban and commercial development of Cambridge in the 19th and 20th centuries.

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"It is a rare and distinctive example of a specialized early twentieth-century transportation structure that has been adaptively reused for commercial purposes," he said. "The kiosk is significant for its associations with architects Blackall, Clapp & Whittemore and M.I.T. civil engineering professor Charles B. Breed. The building is also culturally significant as the central identifying structure in an area associated with Harvard University."

Sullivan said the proposed designation, reviewed at public hearings on Sept. 7 and Oct. 5, 2017, and the Final Landmark Designation Report and recommendation will be approved shortly.

In 2013, the City began studying the use and possible renovation of the space. In September 2016, a citizen group again petitioned the Cambridge Historical Commission to designate the kiosk as a protected landmark, which would effectively stop the proposed major renovation.

In July of this year, The City established a Harvard Square Kiosk and Plaza Working Group to create a vision for the future programming, operation, and governance of the space.

It's not the first time the Harvard Square landmark has been saved by public opinion. In the 1970's during an extension project of the Red Line called for the rebuilding of the Harvard station.

At the time, the Cambridge Historic Commission added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The original headhouse was removed, stored and then relocated after construction. It was then acquired by the City of Cambridge.

Sullivan said the designation of the Harvard Square Kiosk will continue the Historical Commission’s current jurisdiction over alterations to the publicly-visible exterior features of the building.

Those alterations could include large signs atop the kiosk, or large video screens possibly showing video of public interest, including sports games or a public events. Sullivan said proposed alterations will require Historical Commission issuance of Certificates of Appropriateness, Non-Applicability, or Hardship.

Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA) Executive Director Denise Jillson said her organization has been pushing for the structure's renovation since 2011.

"It's falling apart," she said. "The building needs to be restored soon and we're anxious for it. The City has already appropriated the money for it along with the renovation of the entire plaza."

Jillson said the renovation of the kiosk is now tied up with the complete renovation of the plaza. Ideas about the future use of the kiosk are being discussed by City Manager-appointed Kiosk and Plaza Working Group.

According to the Harvard Square Kiosk and Plaza site set up by the City of Cambridge, some of the goals for the space are to be flexible and adaptable, welcoming and safe for all users, navigable and dynamic. The City has also set up a survey for residents.

Jillson said the HSBA would like to see additional electric outlets and water faucets installed in the plaza.

As for the Kiosk, Jillson said she's hopeful the building will showcase the large windows currently blocked by large magazine racks, which would open up the space. She's also hopeful that renovations could be completed in the next 12 to 18 months.

"We're hopeful that the restoration can happen this Spring and then the working group will look at the plaza," she said. "We're delighted the possibilities. We envision an open, accessible Harvard Square and I think the Kiosk can be a major part of that."

Currently, Out of Town News occupies the kiosk on a month-to-month lease that expires in January 2019.

Courtesy Photo / City of Cambridge