Developer Releases More Details About Proposed Arlington Hotel

ARLINGTON, MA — The developer behind a proposed boutique hotel in Arlington Heights has released more details about the project ahead of a Redevelopment Board hearing July 22. In a memo to Assistant Director of Planning and Community Development Erin Zwirko, first published by YourArlington, James Doherty of 1211 Mass Ave Realty Trust laid out the expected scale and potential benefits of the project.

The four-story, 50-room hotel and a planned "upscale restaurant" would operate independently, and the hotel would not have a brand partner, according to Doherty. The property owner would continue to have an ownership stake in the real estate and possibly one or both of the businesses, while the developer does not expect to participate in active operations.

The developer believes the "boutique" model is a successful model in the current market. It is seeking an upscale restaurant that will provide "quality food and drinks," a comfortable gathering place and live music for residents and visitors.

"Visitors love the upscale finish, 'homey' feel and personal touch," Doherty wrote. "All of the operators we spoke with expressed interest. They feel the social/economic makeup of the area and surrounding towns provide a sound base."

Doherty predicts the project will offer economic benefits, including paying hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in hotel and meals taxes; hiring local vendors to work on construction and provide services and products once the hotel is operational; and bringing business to the Heights.

"Part of our marketing plan is based on the Lexington tourism market. This location is ideal; it will be one of the closest hotels to 'The Green,'" according to Doherty. "We anticipate this being one of the best opportunities in decades to leverage tourists from Lexington to our rich History in Arlington."

The Redevelopment Board will hold a hearing at 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 22, in the second-floor conference room of the Town Hall Annex to discuss the proposal.

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