Morris Inn at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana will reopen for overnight guests beginning Sept. 1, 2013. The property closed in October 2012 for a US$30 million renovation.
The renovation increased the building’s total square footage from 72,000 to 137,500 (6,689 sq m to 12,774 sq m). Instead of 92 guestrooms, Morris Inn now has 150. The size of the staff has nearly doubled, to 120 employees.
Morris Inn has a Gothic exterior, in keeping with other campus buildings. The interior has a classic décor, with navy furnishings, light-colored millwork, and gold paint.
The historic Sorin’s restaurant has been preserved. In addition, the inn now offers a casual pub called Rohr’s and the Fireside Terrace, which serves the Rohr’s menu outdoors. The renovation also added three private dining rooms.
Morris Inn also has a new, 300-seat ballroom and adjacent pre-function space with a separate entrance. In conjunction with the Notre Dame Conference Center, the facility now offers 30,000 sq ft (2,787 sq m) of meeting space.
Morris Inn is currently seeking LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council; the property includes a green roof for stormwater management and improved air quality, a recycling program, water filtration systems on every floor, and LED lighting.
The University of Notre Dame owns and operates Morris Inn, which was originally built in 1952 following a donation from Ernest Morris, class of 1906, and his wife, Ella Morris. Last year, their daughter, Ernestine Morris Carmichael Raclin; her family; and the Carmichael Foundation provided a gift to the university intended to fund the renovation and expansion.
//