Suffolk Construction completes 5 year $150m renovation of Charles St. jail

It is hard to imagine a more original design than a hotel carved out of an iconic 19th century jail. But when the city is one as passionate about history as Boston and the structure is the Charles St. Jail, the vision of developer Richard Friedman comes into focus. Following a restoration, the National Historic Landmark building will become one of the country's most stunning and inspired "reuse" developments, debuting as The Liberty Hotel. The $150 million luxury showplace is at the foot of Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood overlooking the Charles River. Completed in 1851, the building was a collaboration between architect Gridley James Fox Bryant and Rev. Louis Dwight. The transformation of the site was equity financed by Friedman's Carpenter & Co., Inc. and Seattle-based Kennedy Associates, with debt provided by Deutsche Bank and San Diego National Bank. Success also hinged on support from Mayor Menino and some $15 million in tax credits approved by the Mass. Historical Commission. The project architect, Gary Johnson of Cambridge Seven Assocs., Inc. and consulting historic preservation architect Pamela Hawkes, FAIA, of Ann Beha Architects, worked in tandem with historians and conservationists from the Mass. Historical Commission, the Boston Landmarks Commission, the National Park Service and the BRA. General contractor Suffolk Const. took on the task of ensuring the end result reflects the design standards set forth by these many players and the overall goal of creating a careful balance between preservation and dynamic use. While the developers' approach to preservation reflects a commitment to authenticity, a more playful attitude defines its day-to-day style. Within the building, there are 18 brick-walled guest rooms, as well as meeting rooms and a grand ballroom. A restored jail cell façade with a catwalk above features the history of the building on etched glass panels. The hotel's 300 guest rooms range in size from 400 - 800 s/f and feature imported bedding and floor to ceiling windows. A Koko Smartrainer is available for personalized fitness programs. Liberty Hotel has three venues for dining; CLINK, Silky Anteater and Mumbai Express. In-room dining is available 24 hours a day. Patrick Lyons, will operate a ground floor bar, "Alibi," and chef Lydia Shire is opening Scampo later this fall. The restaurant will be designed by Raphael Alvares.