Hostelling International Chicago

HI-Chicago History

Great History and Renovation = A Great Experience in Chicago!

Hostelling International - Chicago, the J. Ira & Nicki Harris Family Hostel stands as a symbol of Chicago's commitment to international exchange and understanding. Drawing visitors from around the globe, it serves the international and domestic travel community through affordable accommodations and programs that help visitors truly experience the city.


HI-Chicago

Lobby, 2nd Floor

Through renovation, Hostelling International has preserved and showcased the historic 1886 George F. Kimball building for future generations to use and appreciate. The handsome, brick-clad, Queen Anne-style structure is 87,800 square feet, seven stories tall, and typifies the heavy timber loft construction used extensively in rebuilding downtown Chicago after the 1871 fire. By 1915, timber construction had become obsolete at this scale, replaced by steel and concrete. As a result, this type of 19th century loft building is increasingly rare in the Loop, Chicago's central business district.

The Chicago hostel is a recognized feature of the Loop Retail Historic District, identified in 1998 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as "one of the most important and intact turn-of-the-century downtown commercial districts in the country." Initially designed for industrial use, the property housed manufacturers and wholesalers of plate glass, carpet and lithography, including at one time, the presses for the Encyclopedia Britannica.

Changes to the building through the years include a seventh floor (added in 1908), updated entrance and elevators and a pedestrian arcade added to the south façade of the building to accommodate the widening of Congress Parkway in the 1950's.

The new incarnation echoes Chicago of the late 19th century. As in those days of mass immigration, the sound of many languages will be heard from those who have come from near and far to experience one of the world's great cities.

Wide Support for Hostelling in Chicago

Chicagoans came out in force to support the hostel's capital campaign lead by Neil Hartigan. The City of Chicago provided a TIF grant of $3.5 million, and Mayor Daley, Lois Weisberg and Bruce Newman were strong early supporters of the project. The State of Illinois made a $1 million grant from its international tourism fund.

Major philanthropic support was received from the Chicago Community Trust, the Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust, Patrick and Anna M. Cudahy Fund, Polk Bros. Foundation and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. We are particularly grateful to the J.Ira and Nicki Harris Family Foundation for providing the naming grant for the hostel which is now called the J.Ira and Nicki Harris Family Hostel.


Chicago Skyline

Having a great time!

Learning about the world

Travelers from everywhere

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