The A.R.T. will incorporate an original Harvard Square brick into the construction of the David E. and Stacey L. Goel Center for Creativity & Performance. The inscribed brick was presented to the theater by the Harvard Square Business Association as its 2026 Cornerstone Award, recognizing A.R.T.’s more-than-four-decade impact on the business district.
The impact that you have had on our community cannot be measured. We thank you for everything that you have brought to Harvard Square.
Harvard Square Business Association Executive Director Denise Jillson
Reclaimed brick is a cornerstone of the Goel Center’s regenerative design framework to shift from simply minimizing damage to actively doing good by giving more back to its community, ecosystem, and occupants than it takes across its lifespan. Approximately 190 tons of light-colored Chicago Common Brick was reclaimed for the Goel Center’s construction to support the project’s aim to lower its overall embodied carbon impact.
The signature red brick that was formerly part of the landmark Harvard Square “Pit” will be laid among bricks salvaged from two residential buildings in Chicago’s West Pullman neighborhood that were slated for demolition. The reclaimed brick is being installed on the interior walls of the center’s west and east stages, public lobby, circulation walkways, and gathering areas.
Harvard Square and everyone who makes its community what it is are indelible parts of the A.R.T. The Square helped to build the A.R.T., and it will help to build our future.
Terrie and Bradley Bloom Artistic Director Diane Paulus