How on-campus hotels fuel culture and revenue | By Harry Wheeler, AIA, ISHC
Client & Project Themes | March 6, 2026

As colleges and universities continue to rethink their campuses, on-campus hotels are emerging as more than places for visiting families, alumni, and prospective students to stay.
They can become valuable extensions of an institution’s identity, fostering community, strengthening alumni engagement, supporting academic and campus events, and creating new revenue opportunities.
In his recent University Business op-ed, Harry Wheeler, Principal at JCJ, explores the growing momentum behind on-campus hospitality and the important role thoughtful design plays in making these developments successful.
From the continued growth of brands like Graduate Hotels to the increasing demand for flexible campus amenities, higher education institutions are recognizing the potential of hotels as multifunctional assets. When thoughtfully integrated into a campus, these properties can serve a wide range of audiences while reinforcing the unique culture and character of the institution.