Renovating the Iconic Union Club Hotel at Purdue University
OVERVIEW
$30 MILLION
FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTION
182
ROOMS
3
DINING CONCEPTS
1929
YEAR ESTABLISHED
The White Family Foundation’s $30 million pledge to Purdue University in West Lafayette transformed the 182-room Union Club Hotel through an overhaul of all public spaces and guest rooms, as well as a significant update to the lobby – all while preserving Purdue’s original architecture and academic-inspired design.
This donation also allowed for the creation of three distinct dining concepts, which offer students real-world training: 8ElevenModern Bistro, inspired by NASA missions Gemini 8 and Apollo 11 and led by command pilot and Purdue alumnus, Neil Armstrong; Boiler Up Bar, West Lafayette’s most refined cocktail lounge which pays homage to Purdue’s iconic personalities, traditions, and sports; Leaps Coffee and Artisan Pastries, an energetic hub for grab ‘n’ go goodness, serving as a nod to all of the Purdue innovators who have improved the world by leaps and bounds.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
ONE
The renovation of Union Club Hotel improves tourism, benefiting local businesses as tourists spend money in the vicinity.
TWO
The Union Club Hotel offers a cozy stay for family and friends visiting Purdue University students.
THREE
The Hotel serves as a venue for various events, conferences, and meetings, bringing people from different regions to the community and promoting knowledge exchange.
FOUR
The preservation of Union Club Hotel instills a sense of historical pride in the community and maintains its unique character.
FIVE
The hotel offers internships and job opportunities for students, providing them with valuable work experience and connections in the hospitality industry.
SIX
Renovations include updated safety features and accessibility improvements, making the area more accommodating to all guests.
“
“
We’re excited to support such an iconic part of Purdue University and build the next generation of hospitality professionals by supplementing the classroom experience with hands-on learning. Guests of the Union Club can expect the same world-class hospitality experience they receive at any of our nearly 100 premium-branded hotels and more than 40 restaurants and bars.”
We’re excited to support such an iconic part of Purdue University and build the next generation of hospitality professionals by supplementing the classroom experience with hands-on learning. Guests of the Union Club can expect the same world-class hospitality experience they receive at any of our nearly 100 premium-branded hotels and more than 40 restaurants and bars.”
Ken Barrett
White Lodging’s President and CEO of Hospitality Management
KEY PARTNERS
For more information on our partners, contact Purdue University at general@purdue.edu
“
“
It’s truly an amazing hotel with all the modern amenities guests are looking for and showcases Purdue’s legacy in so many ways. 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.”
It’s truly an amazing hotel with all the modern amenities guests are looking for and showcases Purdue’s legacy in so many ways. 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.”
Vicki Wicks
General Manager at the Union Club Hotel
