Photo: Harvard Square Business Association
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Denise Jillson has tunnel vision, literally.
"One would say that's preposterous. What we say is it's equally preposterous to have the tunnel already built and not take the opportunity to examine its potential," said Jillson.
The executive director of the Harvard Square Business Association is hoping to transform an unused tunnel underneath Harvard Square into an entertainment venue.
"This tunnel, this piece here from about Mount Auburn St. down to Bennett is completely abandoned," she said.
The 116-year-old tunnel, once home to MBTA's Red Line, has been deserted for 40 years. What some may see as a dilapidated space, Jillson sees as an opportunity for growth.
"And the nicest thing about it is there are no columns so it's just an arch. It's about 22 feet high. At its widest, it's about 58 feet wide, and it's just wide open."
The Cambridge City Council approved a $70,000 proposal to study the space's potential. In the meantime, Jillson commissioned a designer to create mockups demonstrating how the space can be used for art exhibits, TED talks, speaking engagements, and of course concerts. And she already has a performer in mind.
"Bruce Springsteen!"
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.