Harvard Book Store to open new shop in downtown Boston

At last, Harvard Book Store will expand into Boston.

Why it matters: The 94-year-old bookstore tried to open a second location in the Prudential Center, but those plans fell through in 2024.

Driving the news: The bookstore will move into a 3,500-square-foot storefront in the historic Yankee Publishing Building at 33 Union St. in the fall, according to an email sent to customers.

The space will include an adjoining cafe, Lakon Paris Patisserie, and will also sell wine.

What they're saying: "Opening a store in Boston proper has been a dream of Harvard Book Store for many years. We're now confident that dream will become a reality," wrote Lisa Jayne, the general manager, and Linda Seamonson and Jeff Mayersohn, the co-owners, in a statement.

Context: The building is part of the Blackstone Block, Boston's oldest commercial district.

Its namesake, William Blackstone, is considered Boston's earliest European settler and the owner of New England's largest library at the time, the bookstore's owners note.

Colonists published "The Massachusetts Spy," a radical colonial publication, nearby.

The building, built in 1874, was also home to Yankee Magazine.

Harvard Book Store has welcomed award-winning authors, poets and celebrities over the years, from BJ Novak to Stephen King to former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.

The Union Street bookstore will also host authors and events.

Yes, but: Don't expect any changes to the original bookstore in Harvard Square.

"Our expansion is, in part, an affirmation of the critical role that independent bookstores play in supporting the free expression of ideas, through public discourse and the printed word, at a time when such discourse faces increasing challenges," the bookstore's leaders wrote.

"We hope, when visiting either store, you will experience that commitment."