Photo courtesy of Kaplan Construction

What: Revolution Hotel
Where: 40 Berkeley St., Boston
Owner: The Mount Vernon Co.
Built: 2018-2019 

The Revolution Hotel was recognized by the Massachusetts Historical Commission at the group’s 41st annual preservation awards held in May in three categories: adaptive reuse project, the Mayor Thomas Menino Legacy award and a People’s Choice award. 

The 1884 structure was one of the first YWCA’s in the nation, and a brick addition was completed in 1902. The original building was replaced with a mid-century modern dormitory for young working women in 1953. 

Renovations completed by Brookline-based Kaplan Construction in February converted the buildings into a 163-room hotel. Designed by PCA/Prellwitz Chilinski Assoc. of Cambridge, the project included structural upgrades, bold art installations and graphics, energy-efficient windows and a fit-out for the basement bar and lounge which doubles as a Conspire co-working space during the day. 

Other members of the project team included owner’s representative WaypointKLA, Commercial Construction Consulting (C3) and structural engineer Roome & Guarracino. 

They Said It:
“Located in Boston’s chic South End and within walking distance to the Back Bay, the Revolution Hotel is the first Boston addition to The Mount Vernon Co.’s collection of independent lifestyle hotels and showcases the city’s revolutionary past. This 163-room hotel delivers an affordable alternative for value-minded travelers seeking affordable access to Boston’s many attractions and experiences.” 

 — Nate Peck, president, Kaplan Construction