Mass. Ave. Development Planned by University

A multi-million dollar development of the entire block bounded by Massachusetts Avenue and Mount Auburn, Dunster, and Holyoke Streets is on University planning tables, Edward J. Reynolds '15, Administrative Vice President, disclosed yesterday.

The University already owns all property in the block, which includes Holyoke House, Little Hall, Dudley Hall, the Hygiene Building, and several other University and commercial structures.

These buildings would presumably be demolished to make way for an overall development of the area.

Reynolds said that the area would be used primarily for University administrative offices, but that the Massachusetts Avenue front would be open for commercial uses. Offices in other parts of the development would also be available to lessees, and an extensive garage area might be included.

The development will probably begin with the new University Health Center, which is to be built in the space now occupied by Cronin's.

Reynolds said that multi-storied buildings would be constructed if Cambridge building regulations can be amended.

He emphasized, however, that the plans are long-range and at present in a preliminary stage. He stated full development might extend over a ten-year period with at least three major construction phases.

To accomplish the project the University faces two major problems--finance and displacement of present occupants. Various methods of financing the construction are presently under consideration.

The problem of displacement of present University occupants will be somewhat reduced, Reynolds said, with the inclusion of Faculty offices in the new Houses and subsequent reduced crowding in the older ones. When this is accomplished, only administrative and departmental offices would have to be moved.

The proposed construction would ease a number of University space problems, Reynolds pointed out. For instance, if administrative offices in Weld Hall were re-located in the development, dormitory over-crowding in the Yard would be significantly reduced.