Hillsdale College’s Dow Hotel is undergoing renovations scheduled for completion by August to replace worn interior and outdated rooms.
With 12 of 36 rooms completed, renovations on the hotel are under way, as the college updates them six rooms at a time. The final renovations on the first floor will begin on Feb. 16.
“The goal is for the Dow is to reflect the college’s principles,” Chief Administrative Officer Rich Péwé said. “Hillsdale attracts around 10,000 visitors each year, and we want to give them the best destination possible.”
AM/PM Builders is completing the Dow renovations, along with interior design help from Associate Dean of Women Rebekah Dell and Penny Arnn, wife of President Larry Arnn.
“We wanted to provide a warm and welcome hotel for guests traveling from across the country,” Dell said. “I would describe the renovations as classic and clean, where traditional meets modern flair.”
Room renovations include new carpet, mattresses, and showers. The college is also replacing some of the Dow’s wallpaper and hallway lighting.
Dell said she used her undergraduate art experience to pick hand-designed desks, dressers, and headboards for the hotel.
“It was another way I could serve the college while utilizing my Hillsdale art experience, so it really was a win-win,” Dell said.