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Graduate Hotel Evanston
Graduate Hotel Evanston
Evanston, IL, United States
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Other Projects by DMAC Architecture & Interiors
Graduate Hotel Evanston
Evanston, IL, United States
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2021
SIZE
25,000 sqft - 100,000 sqft
BUDGET
Undisclosed
Nestled near Northwestern University’s campus and the Lake Michigan shoreline, Graduate Evanston embodies timeless charm and the enduring character of the town it calls home. Originally opened in 1927 as The Homestead, the 119-key hotel was acquired by AJ Capital Partners and underwent extensive renovations beginning in early 2020. Led by Graduate Hotels’ in-house design team, in collaboration with locally based DMAC Architecture & Interiors as architect of record, the reimagined property blends the nostalgic comfort of vintage décor with the conveniences and accessibility of a modern boutique hotel.
With a long-standing presence in Evanston, DMAC brought a deep neighborhood connection and contextual understanding to the project—rooted in the city’s architectural heritage and sense of community. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building offered a rare opportunity to preserve its historic integrity while meeting contemporary hospitality standards.
While the exterior remained largely untouched, the interior required significant modernization to meet current codes and guest expectations. DMAC worked closely with Graduate’s design team to enhance circulation, accessibility, and functionality across all public areas, guestrooms, and corridors. On each floor, former apartment kitchens were reconfigured into spacious guestrooms, while others were upgraded to meet ADA accessibility. Throughout, all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and lighting systems were thoughtfully replaced and integrated to support the building’s long-term viability.
“With these older buildings, no two rooms are the same and there are surprises around every corner,” says Dwayne MacEwen, Founder and Principal of DMAC Architecture. “Our goal was to respect its original grandeur. After spending time on-site and exploring creative solutions, we worked closely with the design team to ensure every detail felt intentional and true to the building’s spirit.”
The result is a hotel that feels both familiar and renewed—a place where Evanston’s past and present coexist seamlessly, offering guests an experience rooted in comfort, craft, and local history.
With a long-standing presence in Evanston, DMAC brought a deep neighborhood connection and contextual understanding to the project—rooted in the city’s architectural heritage and sense of community. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building offered a rare opportunity to preserve its historic integrity while meeting contemporary hospitality standards.
While the exterior remained largely untouched, the interior required significant modernization to meet current codes and guest expectations. DMAC worked closely with Graduate’s design team to enhance circulation, accessibility, and functionality across all public areas, guestrooms, and corridors. On each floor, former apartment kitchens were reconfigured into spacious guestrooms, while others were upgraded to meet ADA accessibility. Throughout, all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and lighting systems were thoughtfully replaced and integrated to support the building’s long-term viability.
“With these older buildings, no two rooms are the same and there are surprises around every corner,” says Dwayne MacEwen, Founder and Principal of DMAC Architecture. “Our goal was to respect its original grandeur. After spending time on-site and exploring creative solutions, we worked closely with the design team to ensure every detail felt intentional and true to the building’s spirit.”
The result is a hotel that feels both familiar and renewed—a place where Evanston’s past and present coexist seamlessly, offering guests an experience rooted in comfort, craft, and local history.
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