Photos by Richard Mandlekorn Photography
Those who live in the Boston metro area are likely familiar with the historic grey façade that long donned bright red awnings on Franklin Street. Still, not all are aware that the landmark building functioned as the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston for most of the 1900s. The Langham, Boston, which reopened in the building this week after more than two years of closure to renovation, was artfully restored to bring that history to light, and they’ve done so in a way that melds casual chic with absolute luxury.
Governor's Boardroom
It may not be obvious to those unknowing of the history, but once pointed out, visitors will start to notice the subtle nods, like the restored terrazzo floor in the Grand Hall—home to its new Grana restaurant, the marble slab countertops, bankers’ glass lamps, and lobby rug with motifs reminiscent of those on the dollar bill.
Lobby Lounge
The top-to-bottom renovation is complemented by restored features like the original bank chandeliers, gold embossed two-story windows in the now Loft Suites, and pseudo-skylight in the Grand Hall.
Loft Suite - photo by The Langham, Boston
The Langham team worked with The Copley Society, the oldest artist non-profit group in the country, to curate a permanent collection that speaks to the building’s banking history and Boston heritage, with commissioned colonial-style portraiture and photo prints of Boston from years gone by. Perhaps most notably, a 7.5-foot wire sculpture that hangs overhead in the former bank’s Grand Hall only magnifies the space's grandeur.
Grana restaurant
Situated in the former Grand Hall, Grana – which means “grain” in Italian, or slang for “cash” – offers authentic, relaxed Italian fare like family-style house-roasted Porchetta, Octopus Scapece, and fresh focaccia.
The destination cocktail pub, aptly named The Fed, functions as a great local hangout spot for local professionals and a destination bar for those staying at the hotel. With hardwood floors overlayed by hand-tuft rugs and shelves stacked high with books and art, the bar gives the feel of a 1920s cocktail lounge. But what’s perhaps most intriguing is The Vault: a selection of highly coveted spirits that cost up to $5,000 per shot, including M by The Macallan, Rabbit Hole Founders Collection Mizunara, Redbreast 27, and The Notch 15 Year.
The Fed
The Langham, Boston is a new American classic hotel that belongs on every traveler’s city hotel bucket list. langhamhotels.com
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