About the Building

The Knox Hotel has a long and rich history, dating all the way back to 1858. Fortunately, along the way, its owners have preserved the building’s integrity and its unique features, including three beautiful archways and a spiral staircase. The three-story, 15,000 square feet building stands tall at the north end of Princeton’s historic Main Street.

The History of the Knox Hotel

• 1858: The “Union Hotel” is opened by William Knox, an early settler of Bureau County. The building is located just across from the train depot and has three floors and approximately 20 rooms.
• 1870s: The hotel is known as the “National Hotel.”
• 1906: The hotel is renamed the “Knox Hotel.”
• 1918 to 1927: The Knox Hotel is operated by William Knox’s son, Albert Knox.
• 1929: The hotel was purchased and renamed the “Northern Hotel.”
• 1970s: The Northern Hotel closes, due to outdated features, including small rooms, communal bathrooms, unsafe electrical, and no forced heat or air conditioning.
• 1980s: The Northern Cafe on the first floor continues to offer delicious fried chicken and family meals.
• 2018: After a major preservation effort, the hotel building received Princeton’s first Historic Preservation Commission Award, and the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Retail Space

The first floor of the Knox Hotel has been used as retail space for stores and restaurants for more than 100 years. That will not change. The building includes 1-2 store spaces along Main Street and another space in the back, facing the train depot.

Interesting in leasing retail space at the Knox Hotel?