Photo: Denise Jillson with the Harvard Square Business Association
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Pit, a landmark in Harvard Square, has been demolished as part of an ongoing construction project to give the space a modern renovation.
The sunken brick seating area around the Harvard MBTA station was constructed in 1982, and it became known as a gathering space for young people and misfits.
“When you talk to some of the diehards, they will tell you it was all about sex drugs and rock and roll,” said Denise Jillson, executive director of the Harvard Square Business Association.
Jillson salvaged bricks from The Pit and auctioned them off. All proceeds went to Bridge Over Troubled Waters, a non-profit that helps homeless youth.
“Everybody was welcomed regardless of what they looked like, where they came from, their economic status, it just didn’t matter,” Jillson said.
The construction has been years in the making, but officially kicked off last fall. The city wants to raise the plaza to level ground to be more compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Construction also includes adding more seating areas.
“This project will enhance the functionality and vibrancy of the plaza, benefiting the entire community,” said the city’s Community Development Department.
The new plaza will hopefully serve a similar purpose to the original space, Jillson said.
Construction is also underway on the Harvard Square kiosk. The city wants the new kiosk and plaza to “act as platforms for community gatherings, including civic, artistic, and social activities, and attract and serve a broad range of people.”
Jillson said lots of people are feeling nostalgic about the landmark as it gets gutted this week.
“People hung out in the pit and the memories that people have and that they have been sharing with me over the past several days is really extraordinary,” Jillson said.
WBZ’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.