Boston’s Art-themed Hotel Studio Allston, Designed by Dyer Brown

Boutique hotel across the Charles River blends eye-popping art with modern design

Studio Allston, now open, is a 117-room hotel that embodies a spirit of adventure and creativity, and promises to deliver a hotel experience unlike any other in Boston. What makes Studio Allston different is a thematic reliance on art in the lobby, in the bar, in meeting rooms, suites, and in every one of the guest rooms. Most of the displays are works created by local artists and will be refreshed regularly in a first-floor gallery.

Twelve contemporary artists were selected to create murals in each guest room. Wallpaper in standard guest rooms features individual designs and five of the Hotel’s ten guest suites were designed as unique, immersive works of art.  The first impression visitors encounter in the lobby is a dramatic composition by an internationally acclaimed artist that commands attention.

Unlike other hotels that refer to themselves as “art hotels,” Studio Allston is different. Artists have played a key role throughout the design process of the Hotel with the objective of ensuring that the art doesn’t simply hang on the wall—the art becomes the walls.

“It’s a dreamy endeavor to have my art in a hotel room. I wonder how strangers will experience my work in such an intimate setting,” said Maya Erdelyi, animator and director. “I also think it’s very cool that a hotel would support local artists in this way.”

The Davis Companies, joined with Spot On Ventures, led by hotelier and businessman Robin Brown, and Highgate, an industry leading manager of hospitality assets, reimagined the 1960’s vintage building located at 1234 Soldiers Field Road with insight and vision.  Drawing on their combined experience in management, design, and real estate development, this partnership moved forward with a concept for a hotel and restaurant that would be an inspirational hospitality experience.

“We view the Studio Allston project as an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful, positive contribution to the continued evolution of Allston’s Western Avenue corridor, one of the most dynamic development markets in greater Boston,” said Stephen Davis, Vice President of Development for The Davis Companies. “Our dream is to create a destination that reflects the energy of the surroundings and stands as a desirable attraction for visitors to this neighborhood and as a valued amenity for those who call this community home.”

The design of Studio Allston is complemented by its setting on the banks of the Charles River in this Allston neighborhood. The location owes its name to 19th century poet and painter, Washington Allston, one of America’s early pioneers of the Romantic movement of landscape painting.

Robin Brown, speaking from experience, notes that everyone who comes to Boston from somewhere else falls in love with the city.

“I know I did,” he said. “But what holds Boston in people’s minds after they leave is the memory of a fun time in a specific place.  We want Studio Allston to be that place. Art lightens the heart and keeps the memories vivid.”

The Studio Allston was Art Directed by Isenberg Projects, a creative advisory firm based in Boston, MA. Actively engaged in Boston’s creative economy, Isenberg Projects develops opportunities to bring artists and designers out of the gallery and into the public realm. Building restoration and interior design was led by the nationally recognized and award-winning architecture firm, Dyer Brown.

The development team behind Studio Allston is expected to announce a food and beverage partner in the coming weeks. Prior to the opening of its lobby restaurant this summer, Studio Allston offers complimentary continental breakfast options in the lobby.

The hotel is managed by Highgate, a premier real estate investment and hospitality management company whose growing portfolio includes more than 100 properties in gateway cities worldwide.

ABOUT THE DAVIS COMPANIES

The Davis Companies is an integrated real estate investment, development and management firm headquartered in Boston that has invested more than $4 billion in gross asset value through real estate equity, debt and fixed-income securities. A combination of capital markets, development and management expertise allows The Davis Companies to nimbly tackle complex opportunities. Directly, and with its valued partners, The Davis Companies currently owns a real estate portfolio of approximately 12 million square feet of office, multifamily, retail, hospitality, industrial, healthcare and bioscience properties across the Eastern United States. For more information, visit www.thedaviscompanies.com.

ABOUT SPOT ON VENTURES

Spot On Ventures invests in signature hotel properties and guides its hotels in all aspects of concept development, architectural design, and product design, as well as all operations and positioning, including: food and beverage programming, sales and marketing, design and branding, advertising and public relations, and recruitment of all senior staff. Current projects include The Verb Hotel, Hilton Boston/Woburn, Omni Boston Seaport Hotel, and Studio Allston Hotel. Past projects include Mandarin Oriental Boston, The Knickerbocker in New York City, and the Boston Park Plaza.

ABOUT HIGHGATE

Highgate is a premier hospitality investment and management company widely recognized as an innovator in the industry. Highgate is the dominant player in U.S. gateway markets including New York, Boston, Miami, San Francisco and Honolulu. Highgate also has an expanding presence in key European markets through properties in London, Paris, Barcelona, Vienna and Prague. Highgate’s portfolio of global properties represents an aggregate asset value exceeding $10B and generates over $1.5B in cumulative revenues. The company provides expert guidance through all stages of the hospitality property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition.  Highgate also has a proven record of developing bespoke hotel brands and utilizes industry leading proprietary revenue management tools that identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value. With an executive team consisting of some of the industry’s most experienced hotel management leaders, the company is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. Highgate maintains corporate offices in New York, London, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Seattle.

ABOUT DYER BROWN

Recognized nationally for its award-winning portfolio of architecture and interior design projects, Dyer Brown Architects offers a fully integrated suite of professional services including high-level building owner and corporate advisory as well as 3D concept visualization. The firm’s clients range from property owner/developers and end-users to global corporations and leading regional brands in such market sectors as workplace, retail, hospitality and higher education. Known for its unwavering commitment to both design excellence and client service, Dyer Brown’s 50 professionals forge long-lasting relationships with business leaders, building owners and brokers, and institutional leaders. Dyer Brown believes that buildings and spaces — the backdrop to our daily, shared experience — should always be inspiring, useful and enjoyable. See the firm’s award-winning work and a detailed overview at dyerbrown.com.