NO VACANCY

Even in the early stages, the structure was expected to extend far down Dunster Street. Many popular establishments would be shut down, including Cronin’s Bar, a central hangout spot for Harvard students.

The bar would only shutter its doors in 1965, in the last leg of the construction of the Holyoke Center. Several surrounding establishments were also concurrently destroyed to make room for the new building.

While construction was ongoing, shopkeepers debated whether to rent out alternate space. Ultimately, such a move would cause “an economic problem,” said James D. Cronin, the owner of the popular bar, in a 1957 Crimson article.

Joseph M. Russin ’64 said students thought the growing structure was “ugly” and “totally out of character with the Yard across the street and the other buildings on Mass. Ave,” in an email to the Crimson.

Many of the former establishments surrounding it shut down permanently. When the Holyoke Center opened, new business popped up around the building. Over the years, it transformed from a gleaming new building to a familiar facade.

“It has become ‘part of the scenery’ rather than something that was once blueprints or naked girders,” wrote Claude E. Welch Jr. ’61 in an email.

—Staff writer David W. Kaufman can be reached at davidkaufman@college.harvard.edu.