FULFILLMENT OF OUR HOPES

Harvard square is now at the beginning of an important transition. The new subway has made the square an important public open space and a focal point of the city. This has lead the city of Cambridge as a whole, as well as the property owners and business men on Harvard square, to have a plan prepared which will consider in a careful and comprehensive way all those influences which will affect the development of the square and its vicinity.

Business and Property Survey

As a basis for this plan a survey is being made of the existing business and economic conditions in and around Harvard square. This survey, which will be completed at the end of the month, will show authentic data on the following features:

1. Definition of area comprised with-in "Harvard square." (a) Its area; (b) percentage of area occupied by buildings; (c) percentage used for streets; (d) valuation of lands as per assessors' rolls.

2. Buildings comprised within the area. (a)Valuation of each building; (b) date of its erection; percentages of property used for residential and business purposes; (c) height and general construction of buildings.

3. Traffic and transportation. (a) Width of streets; (b) nature of pavement; (c) nature of traffic, including number of street cars passing through Harvard square per day; (d) public utilities under and over streets.

4. Volume of trade in Harvard square. (a) Number of business establishments; (b) variety of business carried on; (c) volume of business done, etc.

Committee of University Men

To formulate a working plan to be derived from this data, President Lowell has appointed the following committee: Professor Herbert L. Warren h.'02, Professor Eugene J. A. Duquesne, Assistant Professor John S. Humphrey '93, and Assistant Professor Henry V. Hubbard '97.

Plans by Architecture Department

The Department of Architecture has started a drawing of the proposed improvements which will cover and take into consideration the following three points: (1) The means of traffic and transportation facilities, considering the establishment of curb lines, sidewalks, paving, and the laying of new streets (such as Palmer street and Church street) from the square. (2) Public convenience. Under this head will be included lighting, fountains and comfort station, and the use of trees. (3) Private buildings. The establishment of building lines and building regulations, the height of buildings, building materials, and general style of architecture.

The above is an outline subject to reconsideration and change, but it gives an accurate account of the improvements being actively considered for a greater and better Harvard square.