About the Knox Project

“The Knox” served as a hotel at the north end of Princeton from 1858 until the 1970s. We’ve gutted upper floors down to the original studs, installed new utilities, and now we’re putting it all back together as it was intended: a hotel and ballroom! With any luck, the Knox Hotel’s best days are yet to come!

Listen to Our Story

We joined the Talking Princeton podcast to discuss the Knox Project, how we got started, and what the future looks like. Listen below!

Our Vision for the Knox

The Knox Hotel will provide 13 high-quality, Victorian-themed rooms for tourists, travelers, visiting family and friends, and residents of Bureau County themselves. Unlike the other hotels, the Knox Hotel is perfectly located for accessing Main Street shopping and eateries. Families and couples looking for a weekend getaway from Chicago or Galesburg need only hop off the Amtrak, and walk across Rotary Park to find everything they need for an unforgettable weekend.

THE HOTEL – The Knox Hotel will offer guests a vintage experience with modern comfort. Guests will enter through the north entrance facing the train station, greeted by a grand lobby of black and white tile flooring, vintage tones, and the highest quality of service. Guests will be able to enjoy classic black and white movies or listen to throwback records in their historic-inspired hotel rooms. 

THE BALLROOM – The center of the second floor of the Knox Hotel originally included a dance hall with a beautiful archway. Through the renovations, many of the walls in the back half of the building will be removed to turn the archway into a grand entrance to an elegant ballroom. The space, overlooking Rotary Park, will have room for up to 130 people, perfect for small wedding receptions, bridal showers, corporate events, fundraisers, and other community needs.  

Project Summary

The Knox Project will tackle the restoration of the hotel in several phases, from spring 2021 to the end of 2024. The renovations needed include

• installing new electrical, plumbing, and HVAC
• installing an external staircase
• elevator
• fire suppression sprinkler system
• floor refinishing / new flooring
• drywall and insulation
• bathroom finishing
• catering kitchen
• minor layout reconfiguration
• handicap accessible lobby
• ongoing brick and foundation maintenance