At the heart of Architect Matthew Arnold’s work is a dedication to elevating the lives and businesses of his clients through thoughtful and visually striking architecture and design that is profoundly impactful, tailored to each client’s individual goals.
Molly’s Bookstore, a beloved independent shop with a flagship in Melrose, is opening its second location, this time in the heart of Allston’s growing biotech and academic corridor. Nestled within King Street Properties’ latest development, the new Molly’s Bookstore brings color, curiosity, and community engagement to a rapidly changing neighborhood. This bookstore isn’t just about retail, it’s a cultural signal. Just blocks from Harvard Business School, Harvard Medical School, and a wave of new construction, it serves as a warm, welcoming anchor for the area’s future residents, researchers, families, and readers of all ages.

Molly’s Bookstore –
A Colorful Corner for Community
and Curiosity

Molly’s Bookstore, a beloved independent shop with a flagship in Melrose, is opening its second location, this time in the heart of Allston’s growing biotech and academic corridor. Nestled within King Street Properties’ latest development, the new Molly’s Bookstore brings color, curiosity, and community engagement to a rapidly changing neighborhood.

This bookstore isn’t just about retail, it’s a cultural signal. Just blocks from Harvard Business School, Harvard Medical School, and a wave of new construction, it serves as a warm, welcoming anchor for the area’s future residents, researchers, families, and readers of all ages.

“It’s fun, expressive, and vibrant, without being chaotic,” says architect Matthew Arnold.  “We wanted the space to match the brand’s mission: smart, inclusive, and joyful.”

Playful Design, Layered Experience

The design responds to the bookstore’s dual personality: playful and thoughtful. The layout includes zones for children’s programming, early education, adult titles, and a flexible reading/event area.

At the heart of the store, a colorful, house-shaped structure with a gabled roof invites children to explore and imagine. Vibrant carpeting, sculptural light fixtures, and bright accents throughout lend energy and joy to the space, while the glassy storefront makes it feel open, transparent, and community-connected.

Molly’s Bookstore, a beloved independent shop with a flagship in Melrose, is opening its second location, this time in the heart of Allston’s growing biotech and academic corridor. Nestled within King Street Properties’ latest development, the new Molly’s Bookstore brings color, curiosity, and community engagement to a rapidly changing neighborhood. This bookstore isn’t just about retail, it’s a cultural signal. Just blocks from Harvard Business School, Harvard Medical School, and a wave of new construction, it serves as a warm, welcoming anchor for the area’s future residents, researchers, families, and readers of all ages.
Molly’s Bookstore, a beloved independent shop with a flagship in Melrose, is opening its second location, this time in the heart of Allston’s growing biotech and academic corridor. Nestled within King Street Properties’ latest development, the new Molly’s Bookstore brings color, curiosity, and community engagement to a rapidly changing neighborhood. This bookstore isn’t just about retail, it’s a cultural signal. Just blocks from Harvard Business School, Harvard Medical School, and a wave of new construction, it serves as a warm, welcoming anchor for the area’s future residents, researchers, families, and readers of all ages.
Thoughtfully Situated

Located at 305 Western Ave, Allston, this 2,700-square-foot space is part of King Street Properties’ push to blend thoughtful retail into their innovation clusters. Like FIDO Trattoria across the street, Molly’s signals a desire for community-minded, locally owned destinations in the area’s next phase of growth.

  • Location: 305 Western Ave, Allston, MA
  • Size: 2,700 sq ft
  • Project Type: Commercial Interiors – Bookstore & Early Literacy Hub
  • Status: Opening November 2025
Located at 305 Western Ave, Allston, this 2,700-square-foot space is part of King Street Properties’ push to blend thoughtful retail into their innovation clusters. Like FIDO Trattoria across the street, Molly’s signals a desire for community-minded, locally owned destinations in the area’s next phase of growth.
Molly’s Bookstore, a beloved independent shop with a flagship in Melrose, is opening its second location, this time in the heart of Allston’s growing biotech and academic corridor. Nestled within King Street Properties’ latest development, the new Molly’s Bookstore brings color, curiosity, and community engagement to a rapidly changing neighborhood. This bookstore isn’t just about retail, it’s a cultural signal. Just blocks from Harvard Business School, Harvard Medical School, and a wave of new construction, it serves as a warm, welcoming anchor for the area’s future residents, researchers, families, and readers of all ages.

Contributors

Architecture  ArnoldAnd
Interior Designer  Jennifer Dent 
Construction  Cafco Construction 
Development  King Street Properties 
Client  Molly’s Bookstore