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MAJOR UPGRADE
UNION CLUB HOTEL
University celebrates grand reopening following $35 million renovation
P
14 PUR D U E A LUMNUS
in so many ways,” says Vicki Wicks, general manager. “We
want our alumni to be proud of the new hotel and those that
didn’t attend Purdue to be impressed enough to share the
experience with their friends and colleagues after their stay.”
The hotel will also be used as a hands-on learning laboratory for students in Purdue’s School of Hospitality and
Tourism Management, expected to roll out in 2021.
“At the same time we’re creating a first-class hospitality
experience for our honored guests, we’re developing the
next generation of our industry,” Wicks says.
Owned by the University, the iconic property was built in
phases and first opened in 1929 as an addition to the Purdue
Memorial Union. In 1939, a second wing was added to the
hotel, and in 1955, the five-story, 130-room north wing was
added. Parts of the hotel underwent renovations in the
mid-1980s and at the turn of the century.
The hotel is managed by White Lodging, one of the largest
hotel development and management companies in the United
States with more than 90 premium-brand hotels across the
country. The company is based in northern Indiana and was
—PURDUE UNIVERSITY
founded by Bruce White (M’75).
PUR DUE UN IVE R SITY
VICKI WICKS, GENERAL manager at the Union Club Hotel,
Purdue University President
Mitch Daniels, and Terry Dammeyer, president and CEO of the
investments and development
division of White Lodging, cut
the ribbon to mark the reopening of the historic Union Club
Hotel on August 5.
urdue is ushering in a new era in hospitality on campus with the reopening
of the historic Union Club Hotel. The 182room hotel recently completed a comprehensive $35 million, yearlong renovation where snapshots of Purdue’s legacy
can be found everywhere, including in
the names of its three new dining concepts. 8Eleven Bistro
takes its name from two of NASA’s most daring missions:
Gemini 8 and Apollo 11, both commanded by Neil Armstrong
(AAE’55, HDR E’70). There’s also Boiler Up Bar, a refined cocktail lounge, and Leaps Coffee and Artisan Pastries.
The Union Club Hotel renovation involved a complete
overhaul of all guest rooms and public spaces, including a
significant transformation of the lobby to create a grand
entrance with a modern loft-like feel. Throughout the renovation, original Purdue architecture and academic-inspired
design are preserved in carpet patterns, upholstery, room
fixtures, and countless other elements.
“It’s truly an amazing hotel with all the modern amenities guests are looking for and showcases Purdue’s legacy
