Hear the rumble beneath your feet. That’s the Red Line. Kendall/MIT Station. A portal to innovation.
Kendall/MIT Station opened in 1912. It was part of the original Cambridge subway. Back then it was simply called Kendall. This wasn’t always a hub of tech giants. The area was once industrial. Factories hummed with activity. Workers used this station. They traveled to and from their jobs.
A fun fact. The station’s name changed several times. It became Kendall/MIT in 1978. Then Cambridge Center/MIT in 1982. Finally it returned to Kendall/MIT in 1985. The changes reflected the area’s evolving identity. From industrial to technological.
In the 1980s the station was rebuilt. Longer platforms were added. They accommodated six-car trains. Elevators made it accessible to all. A unique addition was the Kendall Band. This interactive musical sculpture was installed between the tracks. It’s a quirky hidden gem many passengers miss. It was created by artist Paul Matisse. He installed it between 1986 and 1988. The installation was part of the Arts on the Line program.
The station is a busy one. In 2019 it had over 17000 weekday boardings. That’s the fourth highest ridership among MBTA subway stations. Kendall/MIT is more than just a station. It’s a symbol of Cambridge’s transformation. It connects past and present. It serves as a gateway to a vibrant future. The ongoing renovations are evidence of this. New headhouses are replacing older structures. They improve accessibility and aesthetics.
The ongoing renovation projects transform not only the station but also the surrounding area. This area is now the center of a bustling tech scene. It is home to many companies. It is known as the most innovative square mile on earth. This station serves as a reminder of this transformation. From humble beginnings to a leading technological center. Kendall/MIT station stands as a testament to progress.