Pair have deal for hotel site on Boylston
Howard Johnson would become a modern complex
Developers Steve Samuels and Steve Weiner are teaming up to redevelop the 1950s-era Howard Johnson on Boylston Street into a more modern hotel complex, the latest in a series of projects to revitalize the neighborhood surrounding Fenway Park.
Yesterday, the developers said they have signed a deal with the current property owner, hotelier Robert Sage, to build a complex similar in style to two nearby apartment buildings Samuels recently built, Trilogy and 1330 Boylston.
“Clearly, this parcel fits smack in the center of the vision for a redeveloped Boylston Street,’’ Samuels said. “We’re excited about the way this corridor is growing.’’
Sage did not return a phone call seeking comment yesterday. He had periodically explored redevelopment of the property over the years but was never able to move forward. Sage and Weiner had previously discussed redeveloping the property, but those talks broke down in 2005. Weiner was part of the development team that build the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in the Back Bay.
Samuels and Weiner have not filed redevelopment plans, but executives with both firms said the centerpiece of the project would be a more modern hotel; new retail stores and restaurants are possible, too.
Situated in front of Fenway Park, the Howard Johnson has 94 rooms and, in its latest incarnation, a Chinese restaurant. Its older style is in sharp contrast with newer businesses on the street, such as the nearby Guitar Center and Basho, an upscale sushi restaurant expected to open soon at 1330 Boylston.
Officials at the Boston Redevelopment Authority offered general support for the redevelopment of the property. “We welcome the investment in the neighborhood, but it’s hard to make a comment until we see their plans,’’ BRA director John Palmieri said yesterday.
Adam Weiner, who is Steve Weiner’s son and a partner in his development firm, said the development team wants to have more conversations with community groups and city officials before deciding what the final proposal will be.
“We want to do something very appealing, in a more modern style,’’ he said. “But our proposal will be developed in a collaborative process with the BRA and all of our neighbors.’’
Casey Ross can be reached at cross@globe.com. 
