A new luxury boutique hotel catering to LGBTQ+ travelers is being proposed for the former DS Tequila site on Halsted Street, according to a March 9 announcement. The project, led by Tryst Hospitality and NewLook Development, would redevelop the property at 3352 N. Halsted St. into a multi-story hotel with a restaurant, event space, and rooftop pools.
The proposal aims to serve both visitors and locals in Chicago’s Northalsted neighborhood, which is known as an LGBTQ+ entertainment district. Plans include a 21-room hotel featuring a ground-floor restaurant and venue space, as well as a rooftop with two pools, a terrace, and a retractable roof. The building would use steel, brick, and glass materials and replace existing structures on the site.
If approved by City Council, this would be the first ground-up hotel built under the Tryst brand. Tristan Schukraft, founder and CEO of Tryst Hospitality, said his inspiration came from seeing potential in overlooked properties while traveling. “I got into hotels when I was sitting on the beach in Puerto Rico looking at a parking lot and thinking there should be a beach club here,” Schukraft said.
Schukraft has focused on reviving legacy gay institutions across the Americas under the Tryst Hospitality umbrella. “That’s kind of how I fell into preserving gay institutions,” he said. “It’s become a mission because these places are really important for the community.”
Chicago was chosen for its strong LGBTQ+ community presence. “Chicago has a really vibrant LGBTQ+ scene,” Schukraft said. He noted that Northalsted stands out because visitors can easily walk between bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues: “What I love about it is you can bar hop and go to different restaurants, but there really aren’t any good hotels nearby.”
The development requires city approval as a Planned Development due to its size and scope. Alderman Bennett Lawson (44th) is currently seeking feedback from neighbors about the proposal via email or phone before construction can begin.
