Charlestown's John Harvard Mall to Undergo Renovations

Photo Credit: Yelp

The historic John Harvard Mall in Boston’s Charlestown neighborhood is set to undergo renovations that would modernize the 72-year-old building, BostInno reports.

The mall, which first opened its doors in 1943, was built in honor of John Harvard. Harvard migrated to New England from England in the 1600s. He settled in Charlestown, working as church member. He lived in a home in the location where the mall stands today on Main Street.

Constructed mainly of stone and concrete, the mall is certainly in dire need of an updated look. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department is heading up an initiative known as the John Harvard Project. The initiative would bring some liveliness back to one of Boston’s most scenic spots.

Before construction can begin the initiative needs to be signed off on by the necessary parties. Once that happens, the project could begin in August of this year and be completed by the Spring of 2016.

According to Ryan Woods of the Parks and Recreation Department, some renovations would include an overhaul of the mall’s play area, adding a lawn area for seating, installing brick pavers, adding a ramp to connect the mall’s upper and lower level and expanding steps.