Graduate Hotels is set to expand its portfolio this summer with the opening of the Graduate Iowa City in June. Located just off the Ped Mall near the University of Iowa, the nine-story, 231-room hotel will be crafted by AJ Capital Partners COO Andrew Alford.
Inspired by the university’s prestigious creative writing program, the Graduate Iowa City will immerse visitors in a literary celebration. Works from local author Tim Taranto will be adorn the walls, while floor-to-ceiling bookcases and reading nooks will be outfitted into the lobby along with a couch and communal table. Two chairs partitioned by a velvet rope will reference the state’s historic caucuses as well. The lobby will be home to the hotel’s two F&B outlets—Poindexter and Gene’s. Poindexter will reinterpret the classic coffee bar concept, while Gene’s indoor-outdoor layout is awash in a 1970s-style palette. Nearly 9,000 square feet of meeting and event space will be included onsite, with venues including a large ballroom, boardroom, and breakout rooms.
Each guestroom will embrace the city’s eccentricities as well with warm plaid drapery, Persian-patterned benches, and floral-striped lounge chairs. Eskimo Pie-style nightstands will honor the ice cream treat that was first introduced in Iowa, while goldfinch wallpaper and Pop Art will also be on display.
