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Taste of Cambridge postponed to June 18

Chronicle Front Page - June 11, 2013 - 5:33pm

Completing the Square

Cambridge Civic Journal - June 11, 2013 - 2:49pm

Central Square in Cambridge has once again become a focal point for planners, activists, property owners, developers, elected officials, and residents. There is much that can be said, but the primary point of this picture book is to emphasize the opportunities that exist in what may be a narrow window in time to "Complete the Square" in a manner that should satisfy most people. Here are a few images (mostly taken on Monday, June 10, 2013) to help tell this story.

It’s important to understand that Central Square today is just an echo of the days when it was a prime shopping district for the residents of Cambridge and elsewhere. There are proposals today that would encourage a more diverse mix of retail and bring more residents close to the Square. This may require some creative changes in the zoning laws to bring about these positive changes. There’s plenty of room for debate on location, height and density but there are good opportunities now to make some great changes for the better. – RW

This was once the site of the Cambridge Athenaeum
which also served for a time as City Hall
There seems to be something missing next to the
beautiful facade of the Barron Building.
This site at Pearl Street could be so much more vital than it is today.
Another strip of "taxpayers" – one story structures that occupy space formerly occupied by far more appropriate structures.
The rhythm of Mass. Ave. benefits from a mixture of taller
and shorter structures, especially when the sides of the taller
buildings have something to offer visually.
This is one of the most deficient parts of the Central Square streetscape – a site where new retail and residential uses would be a great benefit. Today the most prominent feature is the graffiti next door.
Central Square could be so much better than prominent displays of vandalism. There should be great buildings all the way to Norfolk St.
The site of the Middle East Restaurant today occupies what was a
building with several stories. It could use some upstairs space.
Many of us remember this block when you could rent tools in one location, watch a movie in another, buy clothes at another, and enjoy some great Chinese food.
This block is improving, but we could still do better.
One of the blocks that seems to be missing a lot. The Central
Square Cinema and other storefronts once occupied this space.
Lafayette Square now hosts Jill Brown-Rhone Park. This end of
the Square can only improve with more residents in proximity.
Standing like a lone soldier in what should be a series of great buildings.
Miracle of Science at the eastern edge of the Square
The park is beautiful and tries to draw attention from the
scene’s most prominent feature – a blank pink wall.
This may be the most incomplete corner in all of Central Square.
The decaying billboard on the roof guards the deficit.
The U-Haul is convenient for those who are moving, but this stretch of Main Street would be so much better with residential uses.
One of the many Quest sites recently sold which may soon
potentially enhance this area.
Another missing tooth. The outline of a former building is apparent on the blank brick wall.
Ideally, the future Central Square would still retain some of its industrial past, but maybe people could live next door to the chocolate factory.
The view from Main Street across Lafayette Square
The view toward the hotel at University Park. Ideally, Central Square should have more of a rhythm of heights and density.
Architecturally Lacking – #1
Architecturally Lacking – #2
This end of Columbia St. would be so much better with more activity.
A great Central Square building

Central Square Hardware and Tool Rental was once here until a
spectacular fire destroyed the building. It’s now a parking lot.

A view of what this block once looked like is shown at right.

Another great Central Square building
The Odd Fellows Hall (now the Dance Complex) seems to be missing a neighbor.
Vacancies where there was once a very active street
Though this site at Pearl Street is just feet from public transit and should support more height, the existing building seems to be in good shape.
The site of the former Manhattan Market has cycled through multiple commercial tenants in recent years.
The old signage on the side of the Barron Building
This block could stand to have a lot more character.
The Barron Building – another great Central Square building
Here’s an example of a good-looking tall building in Central Square.
Most of us agree that we don’t want this kind of tall building again.
The often-criticized Holmes Building was supposed to have cafes and other amenities on the ground floor. Instead we got banks and phone stores.
With the old pool removed, we get a brief look at the YWCA prior
to new housing construction on Temple Street.
Looking across the Temple Street lot toward City Hall
The ultimate eyesore – Vail Court still vacant after decades
Lost opportunity – Vail Court still vacant on Bishop Allen Drive
View from the balcony of the new Alice K. Wolf Center
View of the Holmes Building from the Alice K. Wolf Center
View of City Hall from the Alice K. Wolf Center

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