The final renovations for Graduate Storrs will be completed in 2020, the hotel’s General Manager Justin Jachimowicz of Graduate Storrs, said.
The Nathan Hale Inn is situated near South Campus. Renovations are underway for the Inn to become The Graduate Stores in 2020. Photo by Judah Shingleton/The Daily Campus
Graduate Storrs, formerly known as Nathan Hale Inn, is going to highlight its location on the University of Connecticut’s Storrs campus, Jachimowicz said.
“Design throughout the hotel will celebrate the University of Connecticut and the destination of Storrs overall,” Jachimowicz said. “From locally-inspired art, to architectural and textural nods to university history and beloved alums, the atmosphere of the new hotel will establish a distinct sense of place for students, guests and locals alike.”
The renovation will include all guest rooms and common spaces, including the addition of Graduate Hotels’ signature café concept Poindexter and new event capabilities. Poindexter will be an all-day cafe with a range of pastries, breakfast items and local items, Caroline Stephens, public relations and communications manager, said.
“It will be a communal space with lots of outlets and [complementary] wifi,” Stephens said.
Graduate Storrs will solely focus on guest rooms, Jachimowicz said. UConn had previously leased approximately half the rooms for student housing since the start of the 2014-2015 academic year, according to UConn Today.
“All rooms will be converted into hotel guest rooms,” Jachimowicz said. “Previously, the fourth and fifth floors were student housing and will be transformed into Graduate Storrs guest rooms.”
The Graduate Hotel’s team wants the hotel to serve the Storrs Community as best they can, Jachimowicz said.
“We have worked in coordination with the university and key players locally to continue to service loyal guests and university audiences, as well as to continue to operate as a gathering place for the city as a whole,” Jachimowicz said.
Potential guests can start booking now for stays starting April 1, according to the Graduate Storrs website.
“We look forward to welcoming the community to experience our unique hospitality experience when we open in 2020,” Jachimowicz said.
Rachel Philipson is a campus correspondent for The Daily Campus. She can be reached via email at rachel.philipson@uconn.edu.
