The Coop – Harvard Cooperative Society

Project Info

Job Site Cambridge, MA
Architect Arrowstreet
General Contractor The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Project Description

The Harvard Cooperative Society, known as the Harvard COOP, was founded in 1882 by a group of students to reduce student living costs while attending Harvard. In 1906, the Coop purchased a building and relocated to the site of the current main Harvard Square store. This building was re-built in 1925 and has been the Coop’s flagship store and an icon in Harvard Square ever since. The Coop has enjoyed the distinction of being the oldest and largest college bookstore in the United States for many years and still operates as one of the largest collegiate retailers.