Harvard Proposes MTA Yard Building Project

The University disclosed last night one of several suggested plans of development for the MTA Yards property, which it has publicly offered to purchase at a premium of $1 million above current market value.

In the shaded area shown above, the two light-blocked quadrangles at the right, along Boylston street, are the ninth and tenth Houses. An apartment development is on the left, facing the Charles River across Memorial Drive, with a garage and office building behind it on Bennett Street.

The sketch is among a number of preliminary studies, all of which follow the outline of plans which University officials discussed with the MTA "some time ago."

Certain features of the sample study, such as the division of the Charles River frontage, seem to indicate the University's desire to "find a balance between educational uses and the creation of business and commercial properties" on the MTA site.

The plans take into account the possibility that the City may decide to widen Boylston Street on its west side. If Boylston were widened, it is understood that the University would favor depressing the street below ground level so that a ramp could be built across it.