Harvard Square tunnel could be a music venue in the next decade

"It is clear that Harvard Square, like all of our business districts, must continue to adapt and evolve in response to shifting economic conditions and regional competition."

"At this time, I remain open to continuing the conversation with the HSBA and other stakeholders," Huang added. "However, I believe it is prudent to await further engagement from MassDOT and the MBTA before proceeding with any formal next steps. Their input will be essential in assessing the feasibility, regulatory considerations, ... long-term implications of this proposal, and ... identifying a viable funding source for the feasibility phase will also be a critical step in determining the path forward."

"It has been several years since we began engaging in the City Manager's office on this matter. ... It is not the time to await further engagement from the state. It is time for the city to lead."

Cambridge City Council filed a memo to continue exploring repurposing the long-abandoned Harvard Square tunnel into an underground music venue. City leaders project the conversion could occur within the next decade pending feasibility work and eventual construction. City Manager Yi-An Huang said Harvard Square and business districts must adapt to shifting economic conditions and regional competition. Huang said the project must be done in close collaboration with the MBTA, which owns the tunnel and borders a city-owned parking lot. Huang noted MassDOT and MBTA engagement is needed to assess feasibility, regulatory considerations, long-term implications, and funding for a feasibility phase. Property owner John DiGiovanni urged the city to lead rather than await further state engagement. If the MBTA and the Harvard Square Business Association support the plan, the council will then vote on allocating resources to move the project forward.

Read at Boston.com