The historic Alexandra Hotel in Boston is set for a revival as new plans emerge for its restoration.
A new proposal has been introduced to revitalize the long-vacant Alexandra Hotel in Boston, aiming to restore its Victorian Gothic charm. After multiple failed attempts and challenges from water damage and the COVID-19 pandemic, developers are optimistic about this new plan. It includes a restored facade, a five-story expansion with hotel rooms, and retail space, supported by state funding and community approval. If successful, this project could signal a renewed economic hope for the area with possible construction starting in summer 2025.
In the heart of Boston, the long-empty Alexandra Hotel, nestled between South End and Roxbury, is once again poised for a revival. This historic property, which has been sitting vacant for years, is the focus of a fourth redevelopment plan brought forward by its current owners, developer Tom Calus and his partner Jas Bhogal. With a glimmer of hope following three unsuccessful attempts over the last seven years, the duo believes this new proposal, bolstered by state grant funding and historic tax credits, could finally breathe new life into this Victorian Gothic gem built in 1875.
The journey of the Alexandra Hotel has been filled with ups and downs. Back in 2008, the property was bought by the Church of Scientology for $4.5 million with dreams of transforming it into a local headquarters. However, after an expensive restoration process, they decided to sell it in 2014. Since then, the hotel has seen its fair share of failed agreements and a prolonged period on the market, which ultimately led Calus and Bhogal to purchase the property for $11 million in 2019.
The first redevelopment effort was introduced in mid-2018, aiming for a lavish 150-room hotel complete with a facade restoration. Despite receiving initial approval from the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA), the plan encountered challenges. The building suffered from severe water damage and neglect over the years, leading to the BPDA deeming the original structure unviable, paving the way for its replacement.
As if the challenges couldn’t get more daunting, the COVID-19 pandemic rocked the hospitality industry, compelling the developers to adjust their strategy. In mid-2021, they pivoted to a more residential approach by proposing 79 condominiums, which the BPDA approved. Unfortunately, rising federal interest rates soon made the financing of that project too costly, leading them back to their visionary hotel plan.
Recently, the BPDA board granted approval for the revised hotel plan, which will incorporate a restored facade along with a new design that promises to be a more harmonious fit with the community. This project, estimated at $70 million, received a significant boost with a $6 million allocation from Governor Maura Healey’s economic development bill specifically for facade restoration.
As excitement begins to ripple through the community, the latest proposal aims to restore the hotel while constructing a five-story expansion on an adjacent vacant lot. This plan includes a 68-room hotel, along with ground-floor retail or restaurant space, making it a fantastic addition to the neighborhood. Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive during several advisory meetings at the Boston Landmarks Commission, leading to a wave of support even from local neighborhood association members who once had reservations about the building’s height.
The BPDA is expected to have an expedited review process for the smaller footprint project, with an agenda for a vote likely to occur next month. If all goes smoothly and approvals are granted, construction could begin as early as summer 2025. In addition to the revitalized hotel, there are plans for 3,350 square feet of commercial and retail space, including a café to welcome visitors and locals alike.
As for the proposed residential condos, they’re set to be an exciting new addition as well, with prices ranging from around $400,000 for compact units to a hefty $1.5 million for larger spaces. The revitalization of the Alexandra Hotel stands as a beacon of hope for economic development in Boston, especially following the closure of several local businesses. With this fresh proposal finally bringing together the community’s needs and the developers’ vision, it feels like the historic Alexandra Hotel is on the cusp of an inspiring new chapter.
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