CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Johnson & Wales University is expanding its footprint in Uptown Charlotte by converting a hotel it owns into student housing for the 2024 academic year.
The university shared an announcement Wednesday that it would convert the DoubleTree by Hilton Uptown, located on West Trade Street, into a student housing hub for upperclassmen starting in the fall of 2024. The hotel, managed by Hilton, will continue to operate as such until the end of June 2024.
JWU notes the university purchased the hotel from Bank of America nearly 20 years ago. University leadership says the choice to convert it into student housing was based on an evaluation of existing housing on campus, along with plans to boost enrollment and expand the campus footprint in uptown.
“We are excited for the hotel facility to formally be integrated into our campus footprint, providing a more recognizable and cohesive residential landscape for Johnson & Wales University,” said Richard Mathieu, president of the JWU Charlotte campus. "Additionally, we are confident that this expansion will strengthen the cultural vibrancy of the Gateway Center and the Gateway Village, thus cultivating positive relationships with our uptown and Third Ward community partners.”
JWU has tapped a local firm to make the necessary changes to the hotel, promising upscale amenities and modern student housing. There are also plans to redesign the Academic Center Courtyard and Gateway Center promenade.
The expansion of student housing for Johnson & Wales' Charlotte campus comes as the university celebrates its 20th year in the Queen City this year. Additionally, JWU will welcome its first cohort of students earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in May 2024 under an accelerated program.
JWU operates two campuses in the United States. The principal campus is located in Providence, Rhode Island, and was founded in 1914. JWU expanded to Charlotte in 2004 and also offers several degree programs online.