Construction Management and Builders, Inc. (CM&B) has completed construction of Cactus Club Cafe’s first U.S. location, marking a major milestone for the Canadian restaurant group as it expands into the American market. Located at 500 Boylston Street in Boston’s Back Bay, the project transforms a prominent corner of the city into a year-round dining destination supported by an intricate and technically demanding construction program.
The project included a full interior renovation and a premium commercial kitchen buildout designed for durability, sanitation and high-volume service. Stainless steel and ceramic tile finishes were installed throughout the kitchen, extending across all walls to meet stringent performance requirements. Behind the scenes, CM&B managed complex logistical challenges, including the installation of approximately 250 linear feet of refrigeration lines routed through the building’s lower-level parking garage to the loading dock. Existing parking spaces were repurposed to accommodate grease traps, and additional protective measures were put in place to ensure safety and uninterrupted building operations.
A defining feature of the project was the construction of a new four-season enclosed patio. To support the structure, CM&B reinforced under-slab steel, removed aging exterior pavers and restored waterproofing membranes, insulation and concrete slabs before installing the finished tile surface. The enclosed patio was then built with structural steel framing, a translucent roof system and operable window partitions engineered to meet the Boston Planning and Development Agency’s strict building and snow-load standards. The completed space supports both indoor and outdoor bars, significantly expanding year-round dining capacity.
“Working with CM&B on this landmark project has been a true partnership,” said Andrew Latchford, President of Cactus Club Cafe. “From day one, their team demonstrated an ability to tackle complex challenges with transparency, creativity, and collaboration. The level of communication and trust we built throughout this process was invaluable, and it gave us confidence that our vision would be realized exactly as intended. This experience has strengthened our relationship, and we’re excited about the opportunities to continue working together on future projects.”
CM&B collaborated closely with a multidisciplinary project team that included Bergmeyer, BLW Engineers, Jeffrey Beers International and Stys Hospitality to bring the restaurant to life.
“We’re proud to have partnered with Cactus Club Cafe, Bergmeyer, BLW Engineers, Jeffrey Beers International, and Stys Hospitality to bring their first U.S. location to life in Boston’s Back Bay,” said Jeremy Pollender, Senior Vice President at CM&B. “This project reflects the vision and dedication of an incredible team, and we’re thrilled to have played a role in creating such a dynamic dining destination. We look forward to continuing this partnership and building on the success of this milestone.”
Designed by the award-winning team at Jeffrey Beers International, the restaurant interior emphasizes contemporary elegance and architectural drama. A sweeping curved ceiling and a striking feature wall anchor the space, while custom lighting casts a warm, inviting glow. The more than 9,500-square-foot restaurant accommodates over 325 guests across a lounge, main dining room, enclosed all-season patio and expansive seasonal patio. Bespoke architectural millwork throughout the space reflects Jeffrey Beers International’s signature craftsmanship and attention to detail.
To enhance comfort for tenants above the restaurant, CM&B installed a sound-rated acoustical ceiling system above the curved KMDI faux-beam assembly, blending acoustic performance with architectural design. Custom lighting fixtures, including elements featuring individually hand-blown glass bulbs, create focal points above the bar and within private dining areas. The space is further enriched by seven commissioned works from Boston artist Giovanni DeCunto, including a large-scale ceiling mural in the all-season patio.
Michael Pandolfi, AIA, NCARB, Partner at Jeffrey Beers International, emphasized the collaborative execution of the project.
“Working with CM&B was a seamless experience from start to finish. Their attention to detail ensured the finished restaurant looked exactly as the original renderings showed. The precision and care they brought to every phase of construction truly brought the vision to life, and we look forward to partnering with them again.”
Originally reported by CM&B in Construction Dive.
