Backbeat Hotel has released its first detailed design concept for a new independent boutique property planned in Chicago’s Northalsted neighborhood. The project follows an initial site plan announcement made in 2025 and calls for a 50-room hotel that will add a hospitality option within this established urban community.
The six-story hotel is planned for the site at 3255 N. Halsted, formerly occupied by Yoshi’s Café, a long-time local venue that closed in 2021. Demolition of the existing building on the parcel is scheduled to begin later this year, clearing the way for ground-up construction of the new hospitality asset. The development team is targeting an opening date in 2028, positioning the project for delivery later in the current real estate cycle.
Design responsibilities for the 41,000-square-foot property are being led by Miami-based Studio Rodrigo Buelvas, which is overseeing the overall look and feel of the hotel. Chicago-based Jonathan Splitt Architects is collaborating on the project and will serve as architect of record, translating the concept into construction documents and guiding the building through the technical design process.
The hotel program calls for 50 guest rooms, including 12 modern suites, supported by a mix of food-and-beverage and social spaces. Plans include a street-level restaurant and gathering areas that are intended to activate the frontage along North Halsted. Below grade, a lounge will provide an additional venue for guests and visitors, expanding the property’s entertainment offerings beyond the lobby level.
A key feature of the design is a rooftop pool and bar, which will offer skyline views and is being planned with a retractable roof to allow year-round use. The rooftop amenities are expected to be open to both hotel guests and the general public, positioning Backbeat Hotel as a neighborhood destination as well as an accommodation option. Together, the amenity package and location in Northalsted underscore the project’s focus on experiential hospitality and integration with the surrounding community.
