Boston: A New Chapter for the Blackstone Block

~ Harvard Book Store to Open Second Location in Historic Blackstone Block

Harvard Book Store, a beloved fixture in Harvard Square since 1932, has announced plans to expand with a second location in the heart of Boston's historic Blackstone Block. The new store will be located at 33 Union Street, a designated Boston Landmark known for its rare 17th-century street pattern.

The Boston Landmarks Commission recently approved an application for exterior building and storefront renovations, including new signage for the bookstore. The Blackstone Block was designated a Boston Landmark in 1983 for its unique street and alley network. According to the Commission's Study Report, any proposed exterior alterations within the district must receive a Certificate of Design Approval to preserve the original colonial street layout and historic character.

Union Street, which forms the western edge of the block, was originally laid out in 1636 and renamed in 1708 to honor the Kingdom of Great Britain. Today, it is part of the Freedom Trail and sits between Government Center, Faneuil Hall, and Quincy Market. The new Harvard Book Store location will be flanked by three other important 17th-century lanes: Scott Alley, Salt Lane, and Marsh Lane.

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The building at 33 Union Street is not from the colonial era but was added later to the block's fabric. It was built in 1874 and most recently housed Yankee Magazine's offices. The building has seen various commercial tenants over the years, including Saus restaurant. This reflects the layered history of the Blackstone Block where different eras coexist.

Co-owners Jeff Mayersohn and Linda Seamonson have long dreamed of expanding their bookstore into Boston. Their previous attempt at opening a location at Prudential Center fell through. The new store will span 3,500 square feet and feature a dedicated children's area inspired by Old Boston and the Freedom Trail outside its doors. It will also include a 1,500-square-foot café operated by Lakon Paris Patisserie. The store plans to host author talks and community events, and for the first time, offer wine at some gatherings.

The bookstore's leadership aims to connect the new location to the literary heritage of its surroundings. In a letter to customers, they noted that the Blackstone Block is named after William Blackstone, an early colonial settler known for owning the largest personal library in New England. They also mentioned that The Massachusetts Spy, a radical colonial-era newspaper, was once published just a few doors away. The store's proximity to the site of Elizabeth Peabody's 19th-century bookshop, where Margaret Fuller held her famous "Conversations," further solidifies its connection to Boston's rich history of bookselling and public discourse.

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The arrival of Harvard Book Store in the Blackstone Block highlights how historic preservation and contemporary uses can complement each other. The Landmark protections on the block's streets and alleys ensure that new businesses like Harvard Book Store operate within a genuinely historic public realm rather than a recreated or stylized version. As stated in the Landmarks Commission's Study Report, the goal of designation was never to freeze the Blackstone Block in time but to safeguard its irreplaceable street pattern while allowing for continued evolution.

Harvard Book Store is expected to open its doors at 33 Union Street this fall. The Office of Historic Preservation will closely monitor exterior work at the site as construction begins.

In conclusion, Harvard Book Store's expansion into Boston's historic Blackstone Block is an exciting development that honors both the city's past and present. With its dedication to preserving history while embracing modernity, this new location is sure to become a beloved destination for book lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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