Adventurous Journeys (AJ) Capital Partners announced this week an acquisition in downtown Austin which will be home to the forthcoming Graduate Austin, part of the Graduate Hotels collection. The property, located at Guadalupe Street and West 18th Street, is situated in the heart of downtown, just steps from the University of Texas campus and Texas Capitol Mall. Upon completion, the 18-story hotel is expected to open in 2025.
Created for travelers who seek memory-making journeys, Graduate Hotels is a thoughtfully crafted collection of hotels that reside in the most dynamic university-anchored cities across the country. Each property celebrates and commemorates the optimistic energy of its community while offering an extended retreat to places that often play host to the best days of our lives.
"Austin has long been a dream location for Graduate," said Tim Ryan, Chief Investment Officer for Graduate Hotels. "The city's distinct personality, creative energy and adventurous spirit align perfectly. We're huge fans of this community and all things UT, and we look forward to delivering a space that reflects and celebrates those sentiments through design that's rooted in storytelling, gracious hospitality, best-in-class food and beverage offerings and more."
Décor throughout Graduate Austin will embody an eclectic and creative personality, featuring a mix of bespoke patterns, textures and design details that pay homage to the city's playful spirit and the storied culture of The University of Texas. The property's classic architecture will be complemented with rich, layered finishes such as glazed terracotta and checkered cement tile, grass cloth wallpapers, retro fabrics, and warm, desert-inspired hues.
The hotel will also offer meeting and event space, on-site parking, a fitness center, ground floor café and lobby bar, rooftop restaurant and bar, and a rooftop pool. The Burt Group will serve as co-developer of the project alongside the AJ team.
Founded in 2014 by CEO and founder Ben Weprin, there are currently 33 open Graduate Hotels properties across the U.S. and U.K., and four additional properties in various stages of development in Auburn, Alabama; Austin, Texas; Dallas, Texas; and Princeton, New Jersey. AJ and Graduate Hotels are headquartered in Nashville, Tenn.