INDIANAPOLIS — Butler University is teaming up with Hilton to restore and transform a historic residence hall into a boutique hotel.
Curio Collection by Hilton is expected to open during the 2026-2027 academic year, with 105 rooms and suites, a signature restaurant and meeting spaces.
The project marks a significant milestone as the first Curio property located on a university campus.
The hotel will preserve the legacy of Ross Hall, which has served as a campus landmark for nearly 70 years. The residence hall closed in 2019 and has been inactive since, but it will be revitalized to offer a "one-of-a-kind lodging experience that honors its past while embracing modern standards of comfort," according to the press release.
"We are excited to preserve the historic Ross Hall and grateful to Purpose Lodging and Hilton for their vision and desire to lead such a transformative project," said Butler University President James Danko. "This Curio Collection by Hilton hotel will be a welcome addition for anyone traveling to Indianapolis, not just those traveling to our campus."
There are currently 172 Curio Collection hotels open in 42 countries and territories worldwide, with another 84 in development. This will be the first Curio Collection hotel in Indiana.
Butler officials explored options to preserve Ross Hall following feedback from alumni, many of whom lived there during their years on campus.
"We've known for five years that we were likely facing a very difficult decision about the future of Ross Hall, and even announced last year about this time that demolition was inevitable," said Danko.
For parents of a Butler University student, like Matt and Jennifer Bartels, it could be a welcomed place to stay close by.
"Seems like it might make it very convenient for us to be close. Might turn into a creepy situation with us staying right across the street from her dorm, but she might not like that," the Bartels said.
The 105-room hotel with a restaurant and meeting space will be open to anyone — not just Butler University parents.
"As long as they can make it a good experience," said Matt Bartels.
Some living in a nearby neighborhood do have concerns.
"I don't know if I'm excited about it. I think the hotel would bring more, just more traffic and just more more happenings going on around here," said Damien Tillis.
Tillis has lived in the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood for years. He said one of the issues he sees is traffic.
"On game days it can be ... it can get pretty crowded around here, and so just having a hotel, which is probably inviting more traffic. And so I hope they have a plan for how to work on alleviating that around our neighborhood," he said.
The new hotel will be part of Hilton Honors, the guest loyalty program for Hilton's 24 hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in and choose their room.