The Inn at Elon

Designed for the way people work today—and tomorrow—this 80-acre campus in Charlotte’s University Research Park redefines the modern office environment. With approximately one million square feet across two office buildings, the campus blends flexible workspace with dining, café, fitness, and clinic amenities, creating a destination built to attract exceptional talent and support dynamic, evolving operations.

LOCATION Elon, NC

COMPLETED 2023

SIZE 78,000 SF

PHOTOGRAPHER Art Howard & Jim Sink

AWARDS 2021 IIDA Carolinas

Rooted in Place

Nestled within Elon University’s botanical gardens, this 4-star boutique hotel extends the campus experience through architecture and interiors that honor the institution’s Colonial and Georgian Revival heritage while introducing a refined contemporary sensibility. The 80-room property is designed as both a destination and a seamless campus extension, distinguished by expansive windows, inviting patios, and residential-inspired details that create a warm and welcoming hospitality experience. Inside, timeless materials, elegant neutral tones, and carefully placed accents of Elon’s signature maroon establish an atmosphere that is sophisticated, memorable, and deeply connected to the University’s identity. Program elements include a restaurant, bar, ballroom, and flexible meeting spaces that support both campus life and regional visitors.

A Legacy that Gives Back

The design draws inspiration from one of Elon’s most enduring symbols—the oak tree. A native “Elon oak,” harvested onsite during construction, is celebrated throughout the interiors as a signature material, reinforcing a tangible connection between the building and its landscape. This metaphor extends beyond the physical design, reflecting the Inn’s larger purpose: like an acorn planting the seeds of future growth, every stay contributes to the University’s mission, with 100% of hotel profits funding student scholarships. Through thoughtful storytelling, material authenticity, and a strong sense of place, the project creates a hospitality experience that is both meaningful and enduring.