NAU plans major expansion of HRM building, program; Inn to close

Northern Arizona University's School of Hotel and Restaurant Management is about to undergo its first major renovation in more than 20 years, adding classrooms and clinical lab space while upgrading curriculum and internship opportunities.

The project is estimated to cost at least $3 million while partnerships are being explored to add an additional $3 million from off-campus sources.

"This is a nationally known school that brings tremendous benefits to this campus," said Mason Gerety, dean of The W.A. Franke College of Business. "The renovation and curriculum changes will enhance what is already a highly respected program."

As a result of the changes, the 19-room Inn at NAU, which includes the Garden Terrace Restaurant and the Golden Eagle Lounge, will close June 30.

The internships and educational opportunities that were part of the Inn and the restaurant will be offered by Drury Hotels and Sodexho International, which are part of NAU's High Country Conference Center on north campus. The school also will offer a conference center component to its current curriculum.

"This is an exciting opportunity for our students to have top-grade classrooms and labs and increased internship opportunities," said NAU President John Haeger. "It's a great example of the university's continued movement forward."

Gerety said that plans call for state-of-the-art classrooms and labs as well as an interactive culinary classroom complete with kitchen and lab.

HRM professor Richard Howey said he feels a "certain sadness" to see the Inn close but has positive feelings about the overall plan.

"Getting new facilities, new labs and new teaching areas will be wonderful for the current students and a major pull for recruits," Howey said.

The school, which includes the Arizona Hospitality Research and Resource Center, became part of the College of Business in spring 2007.

The School of Hotel and Restaurant Management was created in 1986 under the leadership of then-NAU President Eugene M. Hughes. The HRM building is named in Hughes' honor.

The core of the Inn's building was constructed in 1959 and served as the NAU President's residence. The first occupant was NAU President Lawrence Walkup in 1960.

The Inn at NAU opened its doors on June 10, 1989. Originally, the Inn was available only to guests of the university, alumni and faculty but opened to students and the general public in the early 1990s.

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