When a Rocky Mountain university set out to explore a new hotel with an embedded School of Hospitality and Resort Planning, JHP Hospitality Studio answered with a vision that reached far beyond a single building. The proposal delivers an experiential, hospitality-driven “stay and play” concept–one that reshapes the campus into a more connected, welcoming place. At its heart, Champion Square becomes the everyday stage, where student life, art, and athletics converge in a flexible outdoor room. A teaching hotel anchors the experience, pairing a guest tower with gathering spaces, meetings, and open-air dining that flows naturally into the campus. Together, learning becomes lived–intuitive, spirited, and unmistakably of its place.
A Vision for Champions Square
Project Details:
Client:
Withheld
Location:
Rocky Mountain Region
Project Data:
- 200 hotel keys
- 15,000 sq. ft. meeting space
- 3 F&B outlets
Type:
Challenge
The university sought to align a proposed teaching hotel with a growing hospitality program while maintaining clear campus organization and long-term flexibility. Located adjacent to world-class performing arts venues, a competition baseball field, and an expanding athletics complex, the site represented an undefined campus edge poised to evolve into a vibrant arts and sports district.
Solution
JHP proposed a Stay + Play concept that positions hospitality as a shared campus and community experience. Organized around Champion Square, a central celebration plaza, the plan connects the hotel, world-class performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities into a cohesive, walkable district that supports student life, events, and public engagement.
Impact
The proposed hotel acts as both destination and catalyst–supporting guests and conventions while accelerating momentum for the university–s arts and athletics programs. The concept establishes a cohesive campus model that strengthens identity, supports experiential hospitality education, and preserves the academic core.
