Here’s yet another reminder that Harvard Square’s indie days are over: A two-story Starbucks — the neighborhood’s third — wants to move in. The Seattle-based coffee chain hopes to occupy 1380 Massachusetts Avenue, the erstwhile address of Tasty Sandwich Shop (last seen in Good Will Hunting) and Wursthaus, the Globe reports. Most recently, the block was home to an Alpha Omega Jewelers.
Starbucks states their case before the Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal tonight and will seek a special permit for the store. It might be an uphill battle: The building dates back to the 1780s and is closely guarded by the Cambridge Historical Commission and protected by the city. For its part, Starbucks gamely plans to design the coffee shop with the block’s culture and history in mind. (Goodbye, Lisa Loeb and Sheryl Crow tunes; hello, soothing Revolutionary War-era soundtracks!)
As we previously reported, flourishing fro-yo chain Pinkberry was also vying for the storied spot—no word on whether they’re still in the running.
Starbucks Aiming for the Heart of Harvard Square [Globe]
Previously: Will Harvard House Hub’s First Pinkberry?
