Union Square, where Cambridge and Somerville meet, offers a rich mix of restaurants, artisan boutiques and craft breweries and is close to Harvard and MIT. As the neighborhood transformed with the extension of public transit and the subsequent growth of business and residential property, it created an opportunity to introduce an upscale hotel to a stretch of road connecting Union Square with the more established Porter Square neighborhood.
The design for the 6-story, 163-bed hotel responds to its urban context by angling the façade elements to respond to the oblique views up and down Somerville Avenue. Decidedly urban and situated close to the street, the hotel fills a gap in the streetscape and helps unify the connection between the two neighborhoods. The ground-floor public spaces—sophisticated, inviting lobby; popular restaurant; meeting spaces—encourage public engagement along the street edge. The landscaping elements at the street contribute shading and comfort at the outdoor dining area. The façade features high density laminated wood panels and a high-performance glazing system.
The hotel also features a fitness center and rooftop suite with city-view terrace.
