University to Close Private Stores In Holyoke Center

Kiosk operators from The Shops by Harvard Yard criticized a University plan to eliminate the Shop's private vendors at last night's City Council meeting.

"It's like we've been stabbed in the back," said Greta Harnisha, operator of the "Toy Box" kiosk.

In a meeting with the vendors last week, Harvard Planning and Real Estate (HPRE) officials announced that the University would begin renovating the ground floor of Holyoke Center next summer, and would allow the vendors to operate until July, according to several vendors.

After this summer's renovations, the Holyoke Center arcade will house University-related shops and services.

When the Holyoke Center walk-through was renovated three years ago, Harvard Real Estate invited vendors to open shops and kiosks along the pedestrian arcade. However, HPRE officials said that The Shops by Harvard Yard have not lived up to their expectations.

"The arcade has not been the financial success that was originally anticipated," said HPRE Director of University and Commercial Properties Scott Levitan.

Kiosk owners told the council last night that less than three years is not enough time to judge a new business. They said that when the kiosks close, they will lose their investments and livelihoods.

Renato D. Reis, who owns Renato's, an upscale men's accessory store in the Holyoke arcade, said he invested $60,000 in his 180 square-foot store.

"I had to go through six months of interviews to get my place," said Reis, who said he had expected to operate the shop for many years.

"None of us would have come if we'd had any inkling [that it would close so soon]," said Doina I. Contescu '89, co-founder of the "My Dog" kiosk.

HPRE officials said they have attempted to accommodate the vendors.

"The intent was to meet with the tenants early on in our planning," Levitan said. He added that the six-month notice was double the vendors' three month lease.

The University has contracted with CRI Incorporated to advise the vendors and to assist them in relocating.

"I think this is outrageous," said Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves '72. "[The University] has no respect for the community, for the students they have or for the businesses they have."

Reeves said that Harvard "duped" the council when it proposed the arcade renovations three years ago.

After hearing the vendors' complaints, Reeves introduced a motion to schedule meetings between University and city officials to discuss the Holyoke Center arcade. The motion passed unanimously.

City Councillor and acting Mayor Francis H. Duehay '55 said Harvard's treatment of the arcade vendors is typical of its dealings with the community.

"This is the latest and most serious in a series of events," Duehay said.

Harvard University Vice President for Government, Community and Public Affairs James H. Rowe III '73 said last night that the University would welcome a dialogue with the city.