The Ames Building, once a boutique hotel in Boston’s financial district is being converted into dorm rooms for Suffolk University students. CORPORATE MECHANICAL OF NEW ENGLAND is working on the mechanical scope of the project – relocating multiple water source heat pumps, installing a new make-up air unit, a boiler, and a dryer exhaust system. They will also be replacing 155 thermostats that will integrate into the university’s network.

The Ames Building

Fourteen-story stairs.

Rooftop boiler room.

The dorm rooms themselves are on the small side but include decorative windows which some fortunate undergrads will be enjoying this fall. Bathrooms include glass-enclosed showers and marble providing an elegant look. The conversion involves 114 rooms and will be providing 280 beds.

Dorm rooms with a view!

BUILDING HISTORY: The Ames Building was built in 1893 was considered Boston’s first skyscraper standing fourteen stories high. It was owned by the Ames family and served as their corporate headquarters for their agricultural tool company until 2007 when it was converted into a boutique hotel for many years. The Ames Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 26, 1974, and later designated as a Boston Landmark by the Boston Landmarks Commission in 1993.

Dorm room with a view.

Glass-enclosed shower.