Hostelling International Boston (HI-Boston) has selected Suffolk Construction to renovate a Boston building to become the company’s newest facility in a major city.

HI-Boston chose Suffolk Construction after issuing a request for proposals and competitive bids. The New Boston Hostel project at 25 Stuart St. involves the renovation of 55,500 square feet, in the six-story Dill Building, which is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The facility, designed by Boston architectural firms Bergmeyer Assoc. and Stegman + Assoc., will play a role as the first LEED certified hostel in the nation.

Designs incorporate many green technologies, including a green roof, green elevators and solar hot water heating. The building itself will serve as a "green classroom" for 46,000 annual visitors, 60 percent from outside the country and many visiting Boston for the first time.

HI- Boston currently operates a hostel on Hemenway Street in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood. The new hostel will nearly double its capacity. That facility will remain operational until the renovation is complete in spring of 2012.

"We are pleased to be managing construction of this beautiful building that will incorporate sustainable design," said Angus Leary, Suffolk vice president for education. "This facility will add to Boston’s downtown area and increase the current economic impact by hostel guests."

HI- Boston estimates that its guests will pump more than $16 million into the local economy in direct spending.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Suffolk on this vital project, which will infuse energy, economy, and excitement to the midtown cultural district. They bring the depth of expertise we need to assure a quality renovation is completed within our budget and timetable," said Deborah Ruhe, executive director of Hostelling International New England.