Now that construction plans in Allston have been paused indefinitely, here are FM’s suggestions for what Harvard can do with the space. Who needs more science labs, anyway?
1. Ball Pit
C’mon, you all remember that giant pit of balls you played in when you were a kid.
2. Doggie Day Care
After having part of their community ripped apart, there’s nothing Allston residents need
more than a place for their corgis to get pedicures.
3. Amusement Park
Who doesn’t want a giant roller coast and funnel cake station nearby?
4. Ice Skating Rink
Nothing screams a “good use of space” like a humongous ice rink.
5. Allston Initiative Memorial
The residents need some way to thank those who tore down part of their neighborhood.
6. Starbucks
There are never enough coffee shops. Especially near Harvard Square.
7. Shopping Mall
Getting to the CambridgeSide Galleria is such a schlep!
8. Tanning Salon
People in Allston need to get their GTL on—particularly during those lovely Boston winters.
9. An Ethnic Restaurant
Allston and Cambridge are in great need of diverse spots to eat.
10. A Parking Lot
At least residents can park their cars in Allston even if they can’t live there anymore.
11. Allston Community Garden
Because the one outside Lowell is clearly not sufficient.
12. Bar
Something good ought to come out of all of this.
13. Bowling Alley
Bowling’s the perfect way to spend a Friday night trying to forget about the pit in the
middle of your town.
14. Casino
Allston residents can now enjoy a site based on wasting money.
15. Their Old Space Back
Maybe Harvard could go ahead and reconstruct the area they destroyed. Just a thought.