Central Square, Cambridge

[3] Central Square is known for its wide variety of ethnic restaurants, churches, bars, and live music and theatre venues.

Many startups, including pharmaceutical, videogame and Internet companies, have moved research and office operations into the Square to take advantage of the proximity to MIT, Boston medical resources and relatively low costs.

[9] Central Square is also the original home of actor Ben Affleck and, from 1927 to 2003, the Necco factory.

The intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Brookline in front of The Middle East in Central Square is named in honor of the late indie rock musician Mark Sandman, who often played there.

Central Square serves as the commercial center for the surrounding neighborhoods of Cambridgeport, Riverside, Mid Cambridge, Area 4 and MIT.

Central Square, Cambridge, Mass., c. 1911.
The New England Confectionery Co. water tower, built 1927, was painted in 1996 to resemble a roll of Necco Wafers , but repainted to a new design in 2004 by Novartis .
Central Square circa 1900