Umbria and its Rooftop Bar Transformed with Pergola X
Umbria and Mia
Overview
When Frank Depasquale set out to create Mia, the rooftop bar perched atop his renowned North End steakhouse, Umbria, he had one goal in mind: to build a space unlike anything North Boston had seen before. “Umbria is a one-of-a-kind place,” Depasquale says. “When we built this place, we built it with my love. We built it with every bit of knowledge I’ve had over the 55 years that I’ve been in this business.”
Depasquale knew the space needed more than just a view. He wanted a rooftop that could adapt to the unpredictable Boston weather while still delivering a “wow” factor for his guests. He turned to Boston Pergolas and their innovative Pergola X system by StruXure to bring his vision to life. “I told them exactly what I wanted to do,” Depasquale recalls. “The colors, conditioned air and heat, and that I have to make it a WOW.”
Client
Umbria and Mia
Location
Boston, MA
Dealer
Boston Pergolas
Products
Pergola X, Pivot 6 and Pivot 6 Slide, Black Frame w/Black Louvers
“This is the only roof deck in the North End of Boston, and it couldn't be more perfect. ”
- Frank Depasquale
A statement of luxury and innovation
A statement of luxury and innovation
The resulting installation is more than just a pergola—it’s a statement of luxury and innovation. The custom Pergola X features a louvered roof system that adjusts automatically to changing conditions and even slides open: louvers open for sunshine, tilt for shade, and close completely to provide rain protection. Integrated lighting, air conditioning, and heating ensure comfort throughout the year, while automated screens can be lowered to block wind or create privacy. The powder-coated aluminum structure blends seamlessly with Mia’s sleek aesthetic, creating a rooftop environment that feels both open and intimate.
The project posed unique challenges for the Boston Pergolas team. “Frank knew what he wanted,” says Manolis Christo, Director at Boston Pergolas. “He told us, ‘I want the best of the best.’ He wanted a roof deck with open sunlight, shade, shelter from the elements—heating, cooling, and lighting effects. So we developed a lot of things we had never done before.” The nearly eight-month project became the company’s largest and most complex to date.
The innovation didn’t stop at the rooftop. The ground-level dining area at Umbria also received a custom Pergola X installation, expanding the restaurant’s outdoor seating capacity while maintaining a sophisticated, cohesive look. The combined installations have redefined the restaurant’s presence in Boston’s competitive hospitality scene.
Today, Mia at Umbria stands as the North End’s only rooftop bar, offering a unique, all-weather destination for patrons seeking exceptional ambiance alongside their craft cocktails. “This is the only roof deck in the North End of Boston,” Depasquale says. “And it couldn’t be more perfect.”
Benefits we provided
All‑weather adaptability
The motorized louvered roof provides sunshine, shade, or full rain protection on demand, making the rooftop usable in any weather condition.
Year‑round guest comfort
Integrated heating, cooling, LED lighting, and motorized screens ensure patrons stay comfortable regardless of temperature or wind.
Expanded outdoor seating capacity
Adding the custom Pergola X at both rooftop and ground levels increased usable dining space, boosting revenue potential.
More than just a high-profile installation
For Boston Pergolas, the project was more than just a high-profile installation. “We learned a lot,” says Christo. “With every obstacle, we were learning the whole way. We expanded our horizons with all the challenges, but the end result is marvelous. It’s something nobody’s seen before in our region.”
In the end, Mia and Umbria represent more than just hospitality spaces; they’re a testament to the power of partnership, innovation, and the belief that even a simple idea—like adding a pergola—can transform an entire experience. With Pergola X in place, Umbria now offers guests an outdoor setting that is stylish, functional, and undeniably unforgettable.
Discover StruXure
Experience the ultimate in outdoor living with StruXure—the industry leader in smart pergola systems. Our adjustable louvered roofs are designed to adapt to the weather, giving you control over sunlight, shade, and rain protection at the touch of a button. Crafted for both luxury and durability, StruXure transforms any outdoor space into a year-round retreat for relaxation and entertaining.
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