About
Built for movement, music, and connection, Backbeat goes beyond the traditional hotel experience. Guests will find a rooftop pool and expansive rooftop deck overlooking the city, a full-service restaurant, and a lively lounge all designed to flow seamlessly from day into night.
- Signature programming & social energy: Rooftop wellness, local DJs and artists, curated meetups, and community-led events
- Personalized hospitality touches: Thoughtful arrivals, tailored in-room details, and stays designed around guest preferences
- A sensory journey: Textures, sound, scent, and light shaping every space and moment
- Adventure in every corner: Spaces that invite exploration—from rooftop to lounge to hidden corners of the hotel
- Smart hospitality: Technology that enhances the experience while preserving genuine human connection
- A living memory: Honoring Boystown’s legacy while redefining its next chapter
- A bold statement of identity: Proud visibility and inclusive energy at the heart of Halsted
Development & Design Team
InFocus Builders, Inc.
InFocus Builders, Inc. is a Chicago-based boutique construction company with over 30 years of experience in commercial and residential projects, specializing in hospitality build-outs for some of the city’s most anticipated restaurants and bars.
Jonathan SPLITT Architects ltd.
Jonathan Splitt Architects, Ltd. (JSA) is a Chicago architectural firm specializing in hospitality, commercial, and residential design, with recent work connected to acclaimed local projects including 2026 James Beard Finalist destinations such as Nic & Junior’s, Class Act, and Monteverde.
Studio Rodrigo Buelvas
Studio Rodrigo Buelvas is a boutique interior design and architecture practice known for creating emotionally driven spaces inspired by global cultures, blending design, furniture, and creative direction to craft distinctive environments with a strong sense of place.
Allan O'brien
MensRoom, Managing Partner
Allan O’Brien is a long-time business operator on Halsted Street. With deep roots in the Boystown community, he has played an active role in shaping the neighborhood’s retail and nightlife culture for decades, earning a reputation as a trusted leader and passionate advocate for the area’s continued growth.
Bob Sievers
InFocus Builders, Inc., Owner
InFocus Builders, Inc. is a Chicago-based boutique construction company with over 30 years of experience in commercial and residential projects, specializing in hospitality build-outs for some of the city’s most anticipated restaurants and bars.
Jonathan SPLITT Architects ltd.
Jonathan Splitt Architects, Ltd. (JSA) is a Chicago architectural firm specializing in hospitality, commercial, and residential design, with recent work connected to acclaimed local projects including 2026 James Beard Finalist destinations such as Nic & Junior’s, Class Act, and Monteverde.
Studio Rodrigo
Studio Rodrigo Buelvas is a boutique interior design and architecture practice known for creating emotionally driven spaces inspired by global cultures, blending design, furniture, and creative direction to craft distinctive environments with a strong sense of place.
Our Dedication to Inclusivity
Backbeat will be created in the heart of Boystown, a neighborhood built on visibility, pride, and progress.
Inclusivity is not an initiative here, it’s a foundation. We proudly stand with the LGBTQ+ community and are committed to creating a space where everyone feels seen, safe, and celebrated.
Our hotel will be designed to welcome all identities, expressions, and experiences. From our team and partnerships to our programming and guest experience, Backbeat embraces diversity. We honor the history of Boystown while actively contributing to its future, supporting a culture of respect, authenticity, and belonging.
At Backbeat, everyone is invited to participate, find their rhythm, and feel at home.
