`Picadilly Filly' Bar Will Close

A Cambridge Historical Commission vote last night may change the face of Harvard Square--some say, for the worse.

Its decision endorsed developer Louis DiGiovanni's plans to demolish the building that houses the Picadilly Filly and Ha'Penny bars, as well as two restaurants, the Blue Parrot and Vincent's. The Commission declared the frame house at 119 Mt. Auburn St. "historically significant" as a former Harvard dormitory.

However, it voted not to designate the building "preferably zreserved." This legal label would have automatically delayed the demolition by six months. Instead, the decision removed the last major obstacle to a demolition permit for the site.

Built in 1903 as a private dormitory for Harvard students, the building has survived many incarnations. At present, the horseshoe-shaped "three-decker" holds two bars, two restaurants, and several offices.

In its basement, the Picadilly Filly replaced the Idler coffehouse, where folk legends like Bob Dylan are said to have gotten their start.

To the Historical Commission, though, the building's value comes not from nostalgia, but from its unique cornices and the fact that it represents an older Harvard Square, like the other three-story wooden buildings on Eliot and JFK Sts. One Commission member even called the first floor and basement levels "destroyed" architecturally.

The Architects' Collaborative (TAC), whose offices adjoin the property, submitted its design for the replacement building. The plans call for a modern four-story office building of brick and limestone with stores or restaurants at street level and in the basement. The design includes a passageway from Brattle to Mt. Auburn St.

Architect Roland Kluver, of TAC, said the plan meets all zoning requirements but one; the building would need special permission to offer insufficient parking. This problem does not block demolition of the existing building, although it may force the architects to change their design for the replacement.

The bars and restaurants will stay open through July to benefit from the extra business at Harvard's Commencement, Kluger said.

Students will have to do without the Filly during construction, which may take a year, but Frank Castagno, co-owner of the bar and the Blue Parrot restaurant, said both establishments have signed a contract to move into the new building. He said the agreement with DiGiovanni would provide a year's salary for the owners to compensate for the business lost during construction.

Castagno said he expected students would return to the bar in its new quarters although "I know they're going to miss the Filly as it is now."

"The name is established enough that people will have no problem coming back," he added.

Vincent Fraumini, co-owner of Vincent's restaurant and the Ha'Penny Pub, said he is still negotiating over a return to the new building. "I'd like to, but I don't know if I can," he said of plans to move into the new structure.