Allston Vacant Property

What used to be Kmart, Frugal Fannies, and many other stores, is now mostly empty storefronts

What is Harvard? Well, on the glossy student books, wonderful pictures of Harvard Square, brick paved sidewalks, and a vibrant Harvard Square often come to mind. For the residents of Allston however, we have a very different view point. When we “see” Harvard, what we actually see, everyday, multiple times per day, are nothing but empty store fronts and empty promises.

What really depresses us is that we see things like this on our way to and from work:

Empty storefronts, which used to provide jobs, tax revenue for Boston, and most importantly created a vibrant and active neighborhood, are now owner by Harvard and have no plans to be renovated or leased out again for many many years to come!

We should really be asking the question, why can’t Harvard rent these buildings out? They are perfectly suited for a variety of uses, and could be leased easily…

Another example, right across the street:

Why doesn’t Harvard put these onto those glossy student magazines?

Harvard, landlord to more empty buildings and destroyer of neighborhoods? Small businesses are the cornerstone of the US and without them, we could never have a healthy economy, or for that matter, a healthy neighborhood. Sure, we like Harvards 50 year plan, if it actually happens, but in the meantime, we need to get these buildings re-leased and re-populated.

Speaking of which, I saw this sign come up the other day at the intersection of Western Ave and N. Harvard Ave (Barrys Corner):

Cranes Over Allston! Not for long it seems

Prime Retail for lease!

Yes, this is the kind of sign we should see more often. But, is this really prime retail? And old gas station with the tanks and pumps removed…what could really go here? This has to be “least” prime piece of retail Harvard is offering for lease. Considering the building would likely have to be totally demolished, what are the lease terms? Likely, it would have to be at least a 50-year lease to get an ROI for whatever building the new owner would erect. Still, I hope somebody takes them up on their offer. And I hope, for the sake of Allston, that Harvard offers the rest of their buildings up for lease too. Our neighborhood depends on it.