Future of Harvard Square’s historic newsstand uncertain

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The future is uncertain for a historic newsstand at the heart of Harvard Square.

The Boston Globe reports (http://bit.ly/2bSBDjx ) that Cambridge wants to invest nearly $5 million to renovate the brick plaza where the Out of Town News kiosk stands.

The 500-square-foot brick kiosk and its surrounding plaza have been a gathering place for decades for Harvard University academics and students and for community residents.

It was originally built in 1928, and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

City officials for years have been weighing designs but haven’t settled on a plan. They’ve expressed interest in redeveloping the kiosk for public, rather than commercial, use.

Out of Town News sells periodicals, souvenirs and snacks. Owner Mike Patel says he’d like to remain in the storefront.

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Information from: The Boston Globe, http://www.bostonglobe.com