Twilight front view of the Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel entrance, illuminated sign above the doors, with orange benches and potted plants along the sidewalk.
Outdoor courtyard patio with a wooden pergola, seating areas, and a built-in stainless steel grill station, situated between two apartment building wings.
Hotel lobby seating area with gray and blue upholstered armchairs around round tables, a stone accent wall with a mounted TV and see-through fireplace, and the front desk visible in the background.
Extended-stay hotel suite with a kitchenette and dining table set with dishware, a living area with a TV console, and a view through an open door into the bedroom.
Hotel breakfast buffet area with chafing dishes, cereal dispensers, and utensils on a wood island, framed nature artwork on the walls, and a dining seating area visible through an adjoining doorway.
Challenges + Successes: Built Between the Street + Tracks

Every phase of construction demanded precision — from strict zoning height limits and subsurface constraints to the site’s proximity to the MBTA Green Line. Working closely with Group One Partners and Claremont Companies, TOCCI navigated these challenges to deliver a high-performing, transit-friendly hotel that respects Brookline’s dense urban fabric.

Challenge

Brookline’s zoning bylaws introduced a “skyplane” restriction to prevent new buildings from casting shadows on adjacent residences. Combined with underground utility lines and a 15-foot buffer from the MBTA tracks, the site left almost no margin for error in design or logistics.

Solution

TOCCI leveraged BIM coordination and close collaboration with Group One to refine the building’s profile, using precast hollowcore systems to reduce floor thickness and overall height. This allowed the hotel to maintain five stories along Boylston Street while stepping down toward the neighborhood—minimizing shadows and preserving natural light for nearby homes.

Result

Executed under tight conditions, the project met all zoning and environmental standards while delivering an elegant, durable structure. The finished hotel blends seamlessly with its surroundings, setting a new precedent for urban hospitality design and extending Hilton’s brand into a more compact, contextually sensitive prototype.

130 Keys
102,000 square feet
5 Stories
Front facade of the Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel entrance with a glass canopy, revolving door, orange benches, and vertical banners on the brick and metal-paneled building

Infinite possibilities 
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