The Art Behind Transforming A Former Jail House
Many visitors and residents of Boston love a trip to the luxurious Liberty Hotel in Beacon Hill. Whether the trip is to stay as a guest or dine at elegant restaurants like Scampo or Alibi, The Liberty Hotel brings so much history to Boston, and most guests have yet to learn it used to be a former jail. Today, we'll uncover how the former Charles Street Jail was transformed into a stunning place to dine, stay, and so much more!
The History of the Former Charles Street Jail
Completed in 1851, the Charles Street Jail was designed by architect Gridley James Fox Bryant and is considered one of the finest examples of the "Boston Granite School" of architecture. Its cruciform shape served as a model for prison design worldwide in the 19th century. However, the jail was closed in 1990 due to its harsh and unfit conditions for prisoners. After remaining vacant and unused for a decade, the space was finally acquired and transformed into a luxury hotel by a team of talented architects in 2000.
A New Start as The Liberty Hotel
The building's rich history and structure were preserved when the Charles Street Jail was converted into the Liberty Hotel in the 19th century. The mezzanines in the hotel still showcase features of the former correctional facility, including some of the original cells. The last prisoners were transferred from the jail in 1990, and the transformation of the building began. The Liberty Hotel now boasts 298 modern rooms and suites, with stunning views of the Charles River and Boston skyline. The hotel is located in the charming Beacon Hill neighborhood, making it a highly coveted destination for visitors to the city.
Elegant Dining at Scampo
Scampo Restaurant is situated in the heart of Beacon Hill, and it boasts a stunning open kitchen, chic Italian design, and simple, rustic food. Lydia Shire, the renowned James Beard award-winning chef and a pioneer of Boston's culinary scene, is the Scampo Chef. The restaurant's Executive Chefs are Simon Restrepo and Alex Pineda. Chef Shire previously owned other restaurants, such as Biba, Pignoli, and Excelsior. She later took over the historic Locke-Ober, where women were previously prohibited from eating in the downstairs dining room. Scampo, which debuted over a decade ago in the Liberty Hotel, is a testament to her expertise and creativity. At Scampo, Chef Shire's reputation for defying tradition is evident in the Italian-inspired cuisine that transcends borders and draws on flavors from the Mediterranean and Middle East.
Reserve a Table at Scampo Today!
If you are looking to visit a piece of history in Boston, consider dining at Scampo, an elegant restaurant with divine cuisine and craft cocktails in The Liberty Hotel. Check out Scampo's menus and make your dinner reservation by calling 617-536-2100 or booking a table online!