mullanphy_orig.jpgby Kamille Pope, Development Coordinator

A hostel provides budget-friendly overnight accommodations and an atmosphere promoting greater cross-cultural awareness. People of all ages become "global" citizens whereby they are better prepared to think and operate globally in the community and in business.

Hostels are sought after by middle and high school students, young adults, convention attendees, and groups such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts. Families seek hostels to enjoy affordable prices. A growing number of "baby boomers" are utilizing hostels as they seek adventure and experience through travel.

St. Louis is the 18th largest metropolitan area in the US. Its hotel infrastructure is second to none, yet there are no high-quality, inexpensive overnight accommodations. The demand is evident. We receive scores of inquiries from students, domestic and international tourists, and groups. People are attending conferences, exploring the region, or looking for a host site for youth retreats, meetings, or cultural events. Unfortunately, we have to turn these people away.

 

Bryan Mullanphy, philanthropist, lawyer, and bachelor mayor of St. Louis, assisted immigrants coming to and through St. Louis in the early to mid-1800's. In his will, he instructed that funds from his estate be used to furnish relief to immigrants and westward-bound travelers, regardless of nationality or religious denomination. Therefore, the Mullanphy Emigrant Home (MEH) was built in 1867. 

 

Our mission, "to help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hostelling", is consistent with the legacy of Bryan Mullanphy and the MEH. Old North St. Louis Restoration Group (ONSLRG), owner of the MEH, has a proven record for revitalization. They are passionate about the adaptive reuse of the MEH as a hostel.

 

Only 1.2 miles north of the transportation hub for MetroLink buses and light rail, Amtrak, and Greyhound at 14th and Spruce, the MEH is a prime hostel location. Also, the projected path for MetroLink north from downtown is along North Florissant which is a stone's throw from the MEH. The Riverfront Bike Trail, the Iron Trestle Bike Trail, and several other trails crisscross the neighborhood.

 

The new hostel will include men's and women's dormitory-style accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, as well as private and family rooms. It will have a kitchen, dining hall, laundry facilities, and wireless Internet access. The hostel will also offer meeting spaces for educational programs like "Opening Doors/Opening Minds" and organizing recreational activities like hiking, biking, and canoeing.

 

Now is the time. It is imperative that we develop a hostel to meet the needs of travelers as well as promote cross-cultural awareness to develop "global" citizens. Support our efforts to raise $2.5 million to develop the Mullanphy Emigrant Home into a world-class hostel for people of all ages help bring an influx of hostellers and international visitors to see the beauty of Old North St. Louis. You may donate cash, stocks, via listing the Gateway Council as a beneficiary on your annuity/life insurance policy, or via a bequest in your will.

 

Drive by 1609 N. 14th Street at Mullanphy Street to see this historic building and visit us just up the street from Crown Candy Kitchen at 2810 N. 14th Street to see the architectural plans. Then, for a minimum $100 donation, you can become a Friend of the Hostel Development Team and receive a tour of the Mullanphy Emigrant Home scheduled at your convenience.

 

For more information on giving opportunities, please contact the Gateway Council at 314-644-4660 or via email.