Porter Square - Shopping - Porter Exchange and Local "Japantown"

Porter Exchange and Local "Japantown"

A prominent feature of the Porter Square skyline is the tower on the Art Deco-style building located at 1815 Massachusetts Avenue. The building, now known as the Porter Exchange or University Hall, was originally a Sears, Roebuck store from 1928 to 1985. In 1991, Lesley University began leasing classroom space there, and in 1994 it bought the building, which now houses its bookstore, administrative offices, art and dance studios, and classrooms.

Porter Square and the Porter Exchange have a recent history of being a center for Boston's Japanese community. In May 2009, Lesley University ousted Kotobukiya, a Japanese grocery store, from the Porter Exchange, after 20 years in business there. Lesley wanted the space to expand its bookstore.

For over two years, Porter Square was without a Japanese grocery store, until the former owners of Tokai opened Miso Market a few blocks from the Porter Exchange, in August 2011.

Sasuga Japanese Bookstore was located in Porter Square on Upland Road, but closed its physical store in 2004.

As of August 2011, the Porter Exchange is home to many Japanese eateries and businesses. Bluefin and Tavern on the Square are full-size restaurants, Tapicha is a kiosk with no seating, and the other eateries are located in a food court-like area with limited seating.