Hostelling International Boston chooses Suffolk Construction

Hostelling International Boston (HI-Boston) has selected Suffolk Construction to renovate an historic building at 25 Stuart St., adjacent to Chinatown and the Theatre District, to become Hostelling International's newest facility in a major U.S. city. HI-Boston chose Suffolk Construction after issuing a request for proposals and competitive bids. The New Boston Hostel project involves the renovation of 55,500 s/f, in the six-story Dill Building, which is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The facility, designed by Boston architectural firms Bergmeyer Associates and Stegman + Associates, will play a role as the first LEED certified hostel in the U.S. Designs incorporate many green technologies, including a green roof, green elevators and solar hot water heating. The building itself will serve as a "green classroom" for 46,000 annual visitors, 60% from outside the U.S. and many visiting Boston for the first time. The new facility will provide further evidence of Hostelling's contribution to sustainable world travel. HI-Boston currently operates a hostel on Hemenway St. in Boston's Fenway neighborhood. The new hostel will nearly double its capacity. That facility will remain operational until the renovation is complete in spring of 2012. "We are pleased to be managing construction of this beautiful building that will incorporate sustainable design," said Angus Leary, Suffolk vice president for education. "This facility will add to Boston's downtown area and increase the current economic impact by hostel guests." HI-Boston estimates that its guests will pump more than $16 million into the local economy in direct spending. "We are thrilled to be partnering with Suffolk on this vital project, which will infuse energy, economy, and excitement to the midtown cultural district. They bring the depth of expertise we need to assure a quality renovation is completed within our budget and timetable," said Deborah Ruhe, executive director of Hostelling International New England.