Harvard University wants to construct repertory theater building in Boston's Allston neighborhood

Harvard University has proposed a new site in Boston's Allston neighborhood for construction of a venue for its American Repertory Theater.

The Harvard Crimson reports that the university will ask the city of Boston to approve plans to build a new theater and graduate student housing at 175 North Harvard St., less than 300 yards from Harvard Stadium.

The announcement marks an end to Harvard's vision for a new basketball arena in Allston. A 2013 master plan approved by the city described plans for the construction of a 60,000-square-foot basketball arena at 175 North Harvard St., in addition to graduate student housing and potential office space.

The university’s plans changed after a fall 2017 renovation to Lavietes Pavilion, the existing venue used by the Harvard men’s and women’s basketball teams. The expansion cost over $15 million and added over 5,000 square feet to the facility.

Founded in 1980, the repertory theater is Harvard’s premier performance center, now operating out of Harvard Square’s Loeb Drama Center in Cambridge.

In 2019, The theater. received a $100 million gift for a new site in Allston from hedge fund manager David E. Goel ’93 and Stacey L. Goel.

Harvard did not announce a timeline for the project. The city of Boston must approve an amendment to the 2013 master plan before  the university can begin work on the new site.