RH Boston

Sometimes the past and the present come together in a way that reveals a beautiful new future.

Anchoring a block in Boston’s Back Bay, the Boston Society of Natural History building — known over the years to Bostonians as the Bonwit Teller building and later LouisBoston — had been renovated so many times that its original 1863 neoclassical grandeur was lost under layers of drywall. RH — the lifestyle brand formerly known as Restoration Hardware — sensed the potential for this historic landmark to become the perfect setting in which to experience the full breadth of its luxurious home furnishings. RH’s brand combines tradition with modernity to create an environment filled with balance, symmetry, and exquisite proportion. To showcase this brand in Boston, the Louis Boston building was restored, reclaimed and transformed into the Gallery at the Boston Society for Natural History. Bergmeyer was part of a collaborative, multi-office design team that used bold architectural moves to redesign four levels of retail sales into uniquely merchandised galleries. An existing three story central atrium was significantly enlarged and anchored by a new custom glass and steel traction elevator. A new glass and steel entry pavilion redefined the building’s entry axis, connecting it to pedestrian traffic on Newbury Street. Historic plaster, millwork, and steel details were painstakingly restored or recreated. Wall, ceiling, and decorative surfaces were coated with a warm sheen of neutral gray and charcoal to complement the true focus of the store: the product. Beyond a place to simply sell furniture, RH Boston created an immersive environment that showcases the luxury home-decor lifestyle brand, while breathing new life into one of Boston’s most iconic shopping destinations.

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An immersive environment for the luxury lifestyle brand, this landmark building has a new life as RH Boston

The flagship location for RH’s luxury lifestyle brand celebrates a commitment to harmonizing tradition and modernity, respecting its landmark building’s historical significance and providing a new and inviting experience.

RH set its sights on creating a transformative experience for guests through attention to detail, curated product selection, and marriage of modern and historic elements. Bold, restorative strategies were employed to strip back years of architectural modifications including removing two non-original elevators and relocation of an exit staircase.

Major architectural design goals were to open and feature the original atrium, achieved by removing the auxiliary mezzanine levels of former tenants. A custom-designed glass elevator, evocative of traction-and-counterweight elevators of the late 19th century, anchors the open atrium and allows guests to experience and circulate through the elegance of the grand interior. The elevator reaches the third level, capped with an original vaulted ceiling with gold-coffered detailing. The design of the space focuses on a respect for symmetry, strong sightlines, and clear circulation and movement, achieving an architectural expression of the brand’s value of the harmony of tradition, balance, and proportion.

The store’s four levels were re-imagined as a series of grand gallery spaces designed to showcase a wide spectrum of products. In alignment with the brand, product displays were designed with a curatorial sense, with artfulness and museum-like informative engraved plaques. An original winding staircase — restored and exposed while bringing it into compliance with current codes — guides users back down to the main gallery.

A new steel and glass pavilion on the exterior, inspired by residential vestibules in the Back Bay neighborhood, respectfully juxtaposes the building’s neoclassical architecture, and acts as an extension in the sequence to the interior elevator. The pavilion welcomes guests to approach the proud, free-standing building from bustling Newbury Street.