MCLEAN, Virginia — Plans are underway to build a new Graduate Hotel in Raleigh, near North Carolina State University. In addition to boosting local tourism, the project would serve NCSU alumni, faculty, students and families with stylish accommodations and contemporary amenities, featuring NCSU-inspired design and decor.
The hotel would be located at 1912 Hillsborough St., next to Players Retreat sports bar and restaurant, a beloved local landmark since 1951. The site is currently a parking lot that has long been eyed for development. The proposed seven-story hotel includes 49 structured parking spaces and would be a short walk to the NCSU campus and Talley Student Union.
The Hilton-owned Graduate Hotels brand, known for college-themed hotels specific to each location’s flagship university, currently operates more than 30 properties in college towns across the U.S.
The Raleigh Graduate will be designed with inspiration from nearby NCSU and is expected to be a significant boost for local tourism. With the site’s proximity to campus, it will provide a lodging option for guests attending sports events, graduation ceremonies, conferences and cultural events.
The property’s owners, Raleigh-based real estate investors Mark Andrews and Michael Sandman, submitted plans to the city on Aug. 14 under a sketch plan review, an early planning step that allows applicants to assess the site’s compliance with city zoning rules and regulations before proceeding with a more detailed development plan.
For more information about Graduate Hotels, visit hilton.com.
