F
ormer Chicago Bear Israel Idonije is revamping his plans for the Hudson Motor Building at 2222 South Michigan Avenue, opting to develop a 154-room boutique hotel under Hilton's Curio Collection instead of apartments and hotel rooms. The hotel will be dubbed "Hudson House" and marks a shift from previous concepts that included co-working space, restaurants, and a rooftop pool.

    Idonije and former teammate Julius Peppers purchased the building in 2018 for $10 million, initially envisioning a co-working space with amenities. However, the pandemic disrupted their plans, leading to a revised concept in 2022 that included apartments, which received city approval and a $10 million tax increment financing commitment.

    The hotel will feature a restaurant and event spaces, capitalizing on its location near McCormick Place. Despite facing financing challenges in a tight lending environment, Idonije is optimistic about securing City Council approvals to begin construction. The Hudson Motor Building, originally constructed as an auto dealership for the Hudson Motor Company in 1922, holds significant architectural and cultural value as a Chicago landmark and National Register of Historic Places listing.

    Idonije's plans align with efforts to revitalize the Motor Row District, which has been the focus of infrastructure upgrades aimed at drawing visitors and businesses. However, preserving the district's historic significance requires careful decision-making, as seen in the Commission on Chicago Landmarks' recent unanimous vote to prevent the demolition of a nearby historic showroom.