Developers eye Davis Square hotel project

Posted on Jan 15 2013 by Sam Baltrusis in Business

A boutique hotel in Davis Square? A group of almost 50 potential hotel developers met in the parking lot at Herbert and Day streets—home to the Davis Square Farmers Market–to check out the City of Somerville-owned location before the RFP deadline on Monday, Feb. 4.

The land,  valued at $1,001,400, has an illustrious history as the former West Somerville Congregational Church turned Loews Davis Square movie theater before it burned down in May 1942. It’s been a parking lot for years. According to reps from the Purchasing Department, the development team is responsible for finding a new home for the Davis Square Farmers Market and communicating with locals about the hotel’s design aesthetic.

In preparation for the CBD-zoned structure, the Somerville Board of Aldermen approved a measure last week to create a “Davis Square Hotel Advisory Group,” which will coordinate input from the community and help select a developer by March.

The RFP alludes to wanting a boutique-style design, potentially boasting between 100 and 125 rooms. As far as a prototype for a similar structure, think Hotel Commonwealth near Kenmore Square.

Click here for the lowdown on the RFP.

 

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One Response to “Developers eye Davis Square hotel project”

  1. Ingrid says:
    January 15, 2013 at 5:22 pm

    This parking lot is always full to overflowing with people supporting local business, and is often used for community events. I understand the desire to develop, and there aren’t many places to stay in West Somerville, but is this the right location and option? I don’t want a hotel on my block.

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