The Newbury Boston (imagery: © Durston Saylor)

Showcasing the talents of Champalimaud Design, Jeffrey Beers and Ken Fulk, The Newbury Boston has opened following the sensitive restoration of a Boston landmark by Highgate.

An existing property at One Newbury Street in the historic Back Bay area of Massachusetts’ state capital has been completely reimagined.

Reinventing a landmark

The Newbury Boston’s opening – coinciding with the property’s 94th anniversary – has revealed the work of a heavyweight design team that wanted to pay a fitting tribute to the city.

This building, located in shopping and dining destination Back Bay, first opened in 1927 as a Ritz-Carlton hotel. The storied property has now been transformed by Highgate into a modern hotel housing 286 guestrooms and suites, signature dining experiences, 16,000 sq ft of event space and a new entrance plaza on Newbury Street.

Guests can look forward to discovering new rooftop restaurant Contessa, along with the revived Street Bar, exclusive guest lounge The Library and The Newbury Salon for afternoon tea.

“As the stewards of this extraordinary hotel, we are thrilled to introduce The Newbury to Boston,” said Mahmood Khimji, managing principal and co-founder of Highgate. “We have been singularly focused on honouring the timeless and rich history of the property while incorporating new elements of modern luxury. Thoughtful guest touches complement gracious and luxurious service, which has been a hallmark of the property for nearly a century.”

The hotel is backed by a partnership between Highgate, Scott Sartiano, Rockpoint Group, Lubert-Adler, New England Development and Eastern Real Estate. SCS Advisors provided asset management services.

Vibrant new and revived venues

Champalimaud Design came up with the design for the guestrooms and suites, combining heritage architecture with residential comfort and a Bostonian aesthetic. Handcrafted wood, herringbone accents, marble touches and original artwork add a sense of craftsmanship, while the hotel’s 90 suites, including two presidential suites, come with their very own fireplaces.

The revitalised Newbury Street entrance is now flanked by a landscaped terrace plaza with window awnings and lighting design that enhances the neoclassical façade. Renowned architect Jeffrey Beers designed the hotel’s public spaces with the aim of invoking the spirit of the building’s timeless legacy.

Meanwhile, hospitality company Major Food Group is at the helm of the hotel’s 4,000 sq ft glass-enclosed rooftop restaurant, Contessa, which features the interior design of Ken Fulk and a menu pairing Italian dishes with whimsical cocktails. And locals and guests can access The Street Bar via a separate entrance on Arlington Street, transporting guests back to the 1920s with its speakeasy look and feel where classic cocktails are offered alongside an intriguing wine list.

The Library Lounge, which features a selection of books curated by Boston Public Library, lies off the lobby; it’s reserved exclusively for hotel guests, providing a cosy retreat for reading or sampling a cocktail by the fireplace. And this space is joined by The Newbury Salon, relying on a new afternoon tea concept by Major Food Group.

Additional facilities within The Newbury Boston, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, include a fitness centre designed by The Wright Fit and its founder, celebrity trainer Jay Wright.

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