Former Campus Hotel Opening as Dorms
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA grand opening event is set for a repurposed campus hotel. The former University Place Conference Center and Hotel at IUPUI, now the University Tower, can accommodate 560 students. The school elected last year to change the use of the 1980s-era structure, citing its inability to turn a profit. August 15, 2013
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis administration, faculty, staff and students, university representatives and members of the general public will celebrate the grand opening of University Tower — formerly known as University Place Hotel and home to the campus's newest residence hall and first state-of-the-art dining hall — on Tuesday, Aug 20.
WHAT: University Tower Grand Opening Celebration
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20
WHERE: University Tower lobby, 900 W. Michigan St. (corner of Michigan Street and University Boulevard), Indianapolis
About University Tower
On April 27, 2012, IUPUI leadership announced that University Place Conference Center and Hotel would be transformed into a multi-use facility designed to meet critical campus needs as expressed by faculty, staff, students and administrators: student housing, residential and campus dining, and additional classroom space. The conversion of the facility began Nov. 30 after nearly a yearlong study of the complex's viability by campus and Indiana University officials.
University Tower, the former hotel portion of the facility, will officially welcome incoming students for the start of the 2013 fall semester on Move-In Day, Saturday, Aug. 17, and will offer:
Residential space for 560 students: Each residence hall room includes a private bath and a closet, along with beds, desks and dressers handpicked by a select group of students during the planning process for the new facility. University Tower will offer air-conditioning, wired and wireless Internet connections, a computer lab, informal learning spaces, a game room, a fitness center, a laundry facility and academic support services.
IUPUI’s first dining hall that will seat 470 simultaneously: Tower Dining will be available to students, faculty, staff and the general public and offer an open, contemporary design with its own culinary and operations staff. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served Monday through Friday and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Tower Dining will feature six distinct dining options, including special dietary menus such as vegetarian and low-fat:
The Fresh Market — Gourmet salad bar.
Baker's Crust — Hot panini grill featuring wraps, sandwiches and other specialties.
All-American Grill — Grill offering classic American fare including hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled cheese and french fries.
Eat, Learn, Live — Interactive exhibition-style cooking on an open, flat-top grill.
The Kitchen — Traditional cafeteria-style menu including comfort foods, ethnic foods and home-style meals.
My Pantry — Self-service option featuring primarily breakfast and snack foods.
Before University Tower, IUPUI's campus housing was at capacity, with more than 200 students wait-listed and hundreds more in IUPUI-owned campus housing.
University Tower will put new students in the heart of campus, close to University Library, the Campus Center, IUPUI athletic facilities and schools, which will minimize commute time and maximize study time, as well as provide more opportunities for students to create formal and informal networks with faculty, staff and fellow students.
Source: IUPUI