Graduate Hotels has inaugurated its latest property, Graduate East Lansing, just blocks from the Michigan State University (MSU) campus. The 10-story hotel, which is the 30th addition to the Graduate portfolio, is home to numerous brand signatures and outfitted with a localized design by AJ Capital Partners.
“Our team took great inspiration from the tradition, history, and school pride that runs deep in the East Lansing community, and the hotel, as a result, embodies this energy, is distinctly of and for the Great Lakes state, and celebrates all things MSU,” says AJ Capital Partners president Eric Hassberger.
In homage to MSU history, guests are greeted by a large cross-stitch installation composed of shoelaces that depicts Spartan basketball legend and East Lansing native Magic Johnson. Referencing Johnson’s famed 1978 Sports Illustrated cover, the custom artwork serves as a backdrop for the front desk. A palette featuring MSU green and warm, earthy wood tones instill a sense of place across the property’s sprawling common areas. Agricultural details also characterize the hotel. Wheat and cherry blossom, for example, is incorporated into the millwork of the front desk.
The hotel’s forthcoming F&B lineup will include Graduate’s signature Poindexter café in the lobby, while the Graduate Rock Bar will crown the property. The rooftop concept will evoke a summer camp-inspired ambiance with custom woodwork, plaid elements, and an airstream trailer that serves as a food counter.
A sense of school pride is conjured across each of the 194 guestrooms with deep green and wood-grained walls that complement plaid tufted headboards and light fixtures detailed with Spartan shields. Artwork depicting corn stalks also pays homage to MSU alum James Beal, who developed the 24-row corn farming system.
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