After more than a decade of abandonment and decay, the former Majestic Hotel in Piazza dell’Unità in Florence will shine again by the end of April, transformed into a prestigious luxury hotel. The redevelopment project will not only return an iconic renovated building to the city but will also catalyze the regeneration of the entire square, which today is little more than a parking lot.
From symbol of decay to prestigious hotel
The structure, which extends over 12,500 square meters distributed across nine floors (three of which are underground), will be managed by the American hotel chain Marriott International under the “W Hotel” brand. The building’s history dates back to 1926, when another hotel of the same name stood in its place. The current construction, designed by architect Lando Bartoli and commissioned by Banca Popolare di Novara, was built in 1972 and inaugurated the following year. The bank occupied only the first floor and basement levels, while the rest of the property was used for hotel activities.
After closing in 2009, the building went through a long period of decline: from the failure of sale negotiations in 2014, to an auction in 2015, until it became a site of illegal occupations despite the installation of fences in 2011. The turning point came with the final acquisition and the start of redevelopment work in March 2022.
The new project: contemporary luxury open to the city
“Between the end of April and early May, we will inaugurate 60% of the rooms, while in June we will open the entire hotel, which will have a decidedly contemporary character,” explains Roberto Puccini, sole administrator of Progetto Majestic. The facility will house 119 luxury rooms, areas dedicated to wellness, and spaces for fine dining.
One of the most innovative aspects of the project is the creation of an internal courtyard that will be directly connected to Piazza dell’Unità through fully glazed entrances, creating a harmonious integration between the hotel and the surrounding urban fabric. “It has been a long journey: we purchased the property in 2015 and obtained permits in 2021, but finally in June we will cut the ribbon. We thank all the public offices of the Municipality of Florence and hope that the redevelopment of Piazza dell’Unità will proceed quickly,” adds Puccini.
A gastronomic and cultural hub
The ground floor of the building will house a large living area and two high-level restaurants: Trattoria Contemporanea, an established Milanese brand, and Akira Back restaurant, specializing in refined Asian cuisine. A particularly evocative element will be the former bank vault, destined to be transformed into a multifunctional space for events and a contemporary art gallery.
The architectural intervention, overseen by project manager Niccolò Falleri and works director Stefano Boninsegna from Studio Gla, is inspired by a contemporary style that enhances the large common spaces and strengthens the connection between the hotel structure and the city.
Economic and employment impact
The project will also bring significant benefits in terms of employment: “We will hire 140 people in Florence, and currently 170 workers are working for us directly, 80% of whom are from the local area,” emphasizes Puccini. This highlights how the redevelopment represents not just an architectural recovery but also an important economic investment for the entire community.
The rebirth of Piazza dell’Unità
Parallel to the redevelopment of the former Majestic, the municipal administration has planned a significant restyling intervention for Piazza dell’Unità, an access point to the city for millions of visitors. “We have allocated one million seven hundred thousand euros, which is in addition to the private investment for the redevelopment of the area in front of the hotel. The project includes the renovation of the roadway, the planting of new trees, and the installation of seating. We will share and present it to the citizens soon,” states Andrea Giorgio, Councilor for Security and Mobility.
The goal is to transform what is essentially a transit space today into a true pedestrian “living room square,” with new trees and rest areas that invite residents and tourists to fully experience this renewed corner of Florence.
“This change marks the rebirth of a place that has for too long been a symbol of abandonment,” concludes Aldo Cursano, president of Confcommercio Florence and owner of Caffè Le Rose located right in Piazza dell’Unità. “We thank the Municipality of Florence for its commitment to carrying forward the square’s redevelopment project and entrepreneurs like Roberto who are investing their heart and soul in this transformation.”
Source: La Nazione