Boston – Hostelling International’s Eastern New England Council (HI-New England) has officially begun construction on its new Boston hostel during a recent “groundbreaking” celebration held at the site with business leaders and community leaders. The new hostel – the Hub of Boston is located in the historic Dill Building at 25 Stuart Street in Boston and is expected to be open for guests in the spring of 2012. When the new hostel opens, it will be the second largest in North America.
“Our new hostel will soon host thousands of visitors and among them may be the future leaders of our world,” said Deborah Ruhe, Executive Director of Hostelling New England. “Whether they come as part of a personal journey, or part of a class trip, visitors from Bangladesh to Bangor, will all find safe, affordable accommodations and a gateway to our city, our region and our country.”
The groundbreaking event – sponsored by local restaurants Vapiano Boston and Jacob Wirth – hosted tourism, business and community leaders who learned about the construction timeline and the future of the new Hub of Boston.
The new hostel – ideally situated in the heart of downtown Boston – will welcome more than 46,000 annual visitors, 60 per cent of which will visit from outside the United States. The influx of hostellers is expected to generate more than $16 million, greatly enhancing the local economy.
Suffolk Construction is the construction management firm that is overseeing the renovation and construction of the New Boston Hostel. The project involves the renovation of 55,500sf, in the six-story Dill Building, which is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The hostel is being designed by Boston architectural firms Bergmeyer Associates and Stegman + Associates.
“Suffolk is honored to be part of the team that will restore this building and create a beautiful new landmark for travelers visiting Boston,” said John Fish, Chairman and CEO, Suffolk Construction. “This new hostel facility will be more than just a building or home away from home for young travelers. It will become a center of exploration and source for understanding different cultures and individuals visiting our great City from around the world.”
