We recently announced the groundbreaking partnership between UVA Darden School Foundation and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, in which Kimpton will open its first hotel in a university setting at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business in Charlottesville. Set to open in Spring 2023, the Kimpton boutique hotel will serve as the new home for Executive Education & Lifelong Learning (EELL) as well as a world-class venue for conferences and social events.
Between the Darden and Kimpton brands and their shared commitment to service and hospitality, we are confident this hotel will deliver an outstanding experience for everyone.”
– Ashley Williams, CEO & CLO of Darden Executive Education & Lifelong Learning and leader of the Sands Institute for Lifelong Learning
Darden EELL program participants and clients will stay at the hotel while on Grounds and have access to its’ state-of-the-art flat and tiered classrooms and conference space, unparalleled dining and lodging, and special outdoor spaces, providing an enhanced experience across the board.
Construction Milestones
Since breaking ground in Spring 2021, we’ve been excitedly watching the construction of the new facility. We recognized our talented construction partners at a “topping out” celebration when they raised the roof over the five-story residential wing in December 2021. And we officially crossed the halfway mark in March 2022. Check out the below video for a brief overview of the construction progress.
A Sneak Peek
Enjoy a selection of renderings to get an idea of what to expect when construction is complete. Visit the Darden site to view more images of the hotel and outdoor spaces, which will include an arboretum and botanical gardens.
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- Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
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- Interior Classroom
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- Hotel Room
We look forward to welcoming you to Darden’s new world-class destination, where executives and leaders from around the globe can come to connect, learn and innovate together.
Please visit Darden’s news site for complete details on the Kimpton boutique hotel, Darden’s vision for the future and the generous gift from Frank M. Sands, Sr. (MBA, ’63) that has made this project possible.
