The Newbury Boston — Photo by Highgate Hotels, L.P.
The Newbury Boston — Photo by Highgate Hotels, L.P.

Highgate, in partnership with Major Food Group, has announced plans to open The Newbury Boston at One Newbury Street, located in the premier shopping and dining neighborhood of Boston's Back Bay. This iconic property originally opened in 1927 as one of the first Ritz-Carlton hotels in the U.S. and will be thoughtfully transformed into a 286-room luxury hotel with 16,000-sq-ft of stunning event spaces, signature dining experiences and a reimagined front entrance on Newbury Street. Many of the building's historic architectural elements, including its original cobalt blue chandeliers, will be incorporated in the meticulous redesign and will reaffirm the property's indelible presence adjacent to the idyllic Boston Public Garden. The Newbury represents the first collaboration between Highgate, a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company and Major Food Group, a premier restaurant and hospitality company.

For more than 90 years, The Newbury's location has served as a beloved Boston landmark welcoming Boston residents, world leaders, dignitaries and celebrities alike. A massive restoration and revitalization of the hotel will pay homage to its timeless and rich history, while also incorporating modern luxury and carefully curated guest experiences. The main entrance will be relocated from Arlington Street to Newbury Street and guests will be welcomed into an elegant landscaped terrace plaza (a visual nod to The Public Garden). Dramatic window awnings and a new lighting design will enhance the hotel's neoclassical façade and complement its distinctive historic details.

Globally-celebrated designer Alexandra Champalimaud, founder of Champalimaud Design, will lead the renovation of the hotel's guest rooms. An Interior Design Hall of Fame inductee and winner of Hospitality Design Magazine's Platinum Circle for Lifetime Achievement Award, Champalimaud Design has developed unique expressions for some of the world's most distinguished properties, including The Hotel Bel Air, The Beverly Hills Hotel, The Pierre, The Plaza, The Carlyle, and The Little Nell. Residential in feel, each of The Newbury's 286 rooms will incorporate a calming color palette and tactile materials. Rooms will be appointed with hand- selected, richly textured furnishings and original artwork, along with amenities exclusively curated for guests. Many rooms will showcase views of the Public Garden and guests may choose from 90 luxury suites, the most in the city, including 42 with wood burning fireplaces and 2 dramatic Presidential Suites.

Internationally recognized architect Jeffrey Beers, founder and President of the interior architecture and design firm Jeffrey Beers International, will direct his talents and imagination toward the transformation of the building's new entrance and public spaces - including the restoration of The Street Bar and ballroom, as well as the addition of a private guests-only library and state of the art gym. Beers, a Hospitality Design Platinum Circle Honoree and "Visionary Award" recipient, has previously created engaging and vibrant social spaces in collaboration with a global roster of exceptional hospitality clients including Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Langham Hotels and One&Only. Local Boston firm CBT Architects will also advise on the restoration of the building's original features.

Major Food Group brings its acclaimed creative palette and flair to The Newbury's food & beverage offerings - which will include The Street Bar, elegant event spaces and the much- anticipated rooftop restaurant with sweeping views of the city. Major Food Group, founded by Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi, and Jeff Zalaznick, has developed some of the most popular restaurant concepts (including Carbone, THE GRILL, Sadelle's, among many others) and operates more than 20 distinctive restaurant venues worldwide, garnering international attention for their continued success. Most recently, Major Food Group completed the iconic restoration of one of the most famous dining rooms in America inside the Seagram building with the openings of THE GRILL, THE POOL, and The Lobster Club, earning national accolades such as "Best Restaurant in America". Like all Major Food Group restaurants, the food and beverage concepts at The Newbury Boston will offer immersive experiences inspired by the history of this beloved landmark. Every aspect of the food and beverage offerings will be meticulously designed and well-researched with the goal of transporting guests upon arrival.

Additionally, Major Food Group has partnered with prolific interior designer Ken Fulk, a long-time Boston resident, on the rooftop restaurant. Fulk will imbue his effortlessly over-the-top approach and signature layered interiors to the rooftop restaurant design — Fulk most recently collaborated with Major Food Group on the opening of Sadelle's Las Vegas. A curator of lifestyles, Fulk designs celebrated hotels, restaurants and homes throughout the US and abroad including St. Joseph's Arts Society, Legacy Records, and Leo's Oyster Bar.

"We are honored to take part in one of the most historic restorations in our lifetime, and are excited to bring this elegant hotel back to life with unique hospitality experience and offerings, which will be thoughtfully crafted to respect and celebrate this landmark's rich history and relationship with the Boston community. The Newbury Boston will be the ultimate gathering space for Bostonians and travelers alike and a destination for every generation, offering exceptional style, inventive experiences and unwavering service," said Jeff Zalaznick, Co-Owner of Major Food Group.

To celebrate the return of one of Boston's most iconic social hubs, Highgate and Major Food Group have also collaborated with award-winning branding and lifestyle studio Tzelan, leading specialists in luxury hospitality brand development and design. Tzelan has commissioned famed photographer Phil Poynter to artfully capture The Newbury's pre-launch campaign with a pictorial "Love Letter to Boston." Poynter is a regular contributor to Vogue, Vanity Fair and LOVE Magazine and is most associated with his work on behalf of brands such as Louis Vuitton, Prada and Cartier.

The Newbury is backed by a partnership including Iconiq, Highgate, Major Food Group, Scott Sartiano, Rockpoint Group, Lubert-Adler, New England Development, and Eastern Real Estate. SCS Advisors is providing asset management services.

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