HRE to Renovate Holyoke

Security problems and an unpleasant atmosphere in the Holyoke Center Arcade have prompted Harvard Real Estate to renovate the ground floor complex.

The new retail complex, "Shops By Harvard," plans to draw students with a more "cozy" atmosphere, according to Kristin S. Demong, president of Harvard Real Estate.

But the major impetus for the renovations, which are to completed next fall, is security, Demong said. In the past, muggers have made use of the poor lighting and concealed themselves behind the large columns lining the arcade.

The renovations will eliminate the dark spaces between the columns and the stores by moving the store-fronts forward and installing new lighting, Demong said. The security office will be moved from the garage level to the street level entryway.

As an added security measure, gates will close the arcade off to the public between the hours of 1:30 and 5:30 a.m.

Harvard Real Estate will also set up small kiosks and inexpensive cafes with outdoor seating in the leased space, Demong said.

Demong said Harvard Real Estate plans to attract Harvard affiliates and Cambridge residents with the new renovations.

"The marketplace we're aiming for is more a local market than a tourist market," said Demong. "We want to create a cozy but open environment which I think Harvard Square is noted for."

Other changes will make arcade more accessible, structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing she said.

"It was designed as a pathway between the Yard and river houses," Demong said. "We want to give it the feel of a street."

Wheelchair ramps will be added at the Mt. Auburn St. entrance and street-level pedestrian walkways will replace the steeply sloping garage ramp entryway.

To eliminate the problematic wind-tunnel effect in the winter, a heat curtain will be set up on the Mass. Ave. entrance and glass doors at the Mt. Auburn St. end, she said.

I addition, an office directory with a map will be set up on Mass. Ave for tourists to consult, Demong said.