Yo-Yo Ma's Non-Profit To Use Harvard's Allston Space

Harvard University faced harsh criticism after moth-balling its Allston expansion project late last year due to the tanking economy and the institution's shrinking endowment.

But now the school is trying to put some of it's real estate there to good use.

The Silk Road Project, headed by famed cellist and Harvard grad Yo-Yo Ma, is moving from Rhode Island to a school-owned space in Allston. The project aims to connect musicians and composers from across the world in an effort to promote cultural exchange.

Harvard President Drew Faust says the university's long-term plans still include growth in Allston and partnerships with the community. "To be able to make some progress towards that now is very important to us," Faust said.

The Silk Road Project is the second non-for-profit organization to occupy Harvard-owned space in Allston. Earthwatch, another non-profit, is also located there.