Purdue Memorial Union Club renovations to begin this summer

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Work will begin this summer to transform the Purdue Memorial Union Club into a world-class hotel with a formal restaurant and bar and upgraded event facilities nearby.

The Purdue University Board of Trustees on Friday (Feb. 8) gave approval to plan, finance, construct and award a construction contract for the planned renovation of the Purdue Memorial Union Club, moving the project forward.

As previously announced, the renovation will transform the hotel, built in phases from 1929-53 as an addition to the Purdue Memorial Union. Having had no significant upgrades in recent years, the hotel will receive renovations, including furnishings, fixtures, amenities and the overall look and feel, and an expansion of some rooms to suite-type lodging. The entry to the hotel will be dramatically improved to include a grand entrance and atrium that will capture the spirit of Purdue’s innovations and to celebrate alumni who have had an impact around the world.

A vision of the restaurant area. Download image

In addition to the transformation of 89,600 gross square feet of hotel guest rooms and lobby space, the project includes the renovation of an additional 8,500 gross square feet to create a new formal restaurant and bar. Once completed, the hotel, restaurant and bar will act as a living laboratory learning environment for hospitality and tourism management students.

The project scope also includes finish upgrades and cosmetic improvements to the existing ballrooms on the main floor of the Purdue Memorial Union and the adjacent restrooms.

The renovations are supported primarily by generous gifts of $15 million from Bruce and Beth White and $15 million from the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation.

Construction is set to begin June 3 and is expected to last approximately one year. 

Source: Michael B. Cline, 765-494-8000, mbcline@purdue.edu