World's Only Curious George Store in Cambridge Could Close

Owner of store says developers buying the property may change the structure of the building

The world's only Curious George Store in Cambridge, Massachusetts, could soon be closing.

The owner of the iconic store, located at the corner of JFK and Mount Auburn Streets in Harvard Square, says developers buying the property may change the structure of the building and replace it with a stairwell and elevator.

"...add some square footage, add some floors, and everyone who's in the building will eventually have to find a new home," said owner, Adam Hirsch.

The creators of the Curious George character lived in Cambridge. Hirsh said he would like to keep the store in the city but the price of rent in the area could be a hurdle to get over.

"It makes me feel sad that Harvard Square is kind of changing over this money development thing," Hirsh said. "There should be some tradition left here. It's all going away."

Shopper Michael Sullivan of Boston said he is a frequent visitor to the store.

"I shop here for all of my grandchildren," said Sullivan. " Everyone of them has something from out of this store."

There will be a meeting with the Cambridge Historical Commission on Thursday at City Hall to discuss the future of the property. In the meantime, Hirsh is still looking to hire more workers for the fall.

"We are here, we are going to do everything we can to stay in Harvard Square," Hirsh said. "We'd love to stay here as long as possible, this is a special place. And we are thankful to the support we receive."

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