“Introducing the Graduate brand to Texas – one of the country’s largest and most dynamic markets – is a major milestone for us,” said Parker Henderson, brand leader, Graduate by Hilton. “A Graduate in Dallas’s Highland Park was a natural fit, as the property brings our collegiate-inspired hospitality to a neighborhood that reflects our core values of lifelong learning. It also kickstarts the brand’s Texas expansion with another property slated to open in Austin.”
Led by AJ Capital Partners, the Nashville-based developer and designer of the property, Graduate Dallas is a thoughtful restoration of the former Lumen Hotel. While preserving the building’s original geometric, mid-century architecture, the reimagined space features locally inspired design elements – warm, textured interiors like tanned leather and velvet sofas, cowhide ottomans, shearling armchairs, and handwoven textiles. An open, public-facing layout fosters a strong connection to the surrounding community, creating a welcoming experience for guests and locals alike.
“Bringing a Graduate to Texas – particularly in the heart of Highland Park, one of Dallas’ most storied neighborhoods – has been a longtime goal,” said Ben Weprin, founder, Graduate Hotels and CEO and founder of AJ Capital Partners. “This is a community full of character, tradition, and creative energy, and we’re honored to bring this project to life in a way that reflects all of that through design, storytelling, and the nostalgic traditions that live on at SMU.”
A large-scale vintage postcard of Exall Lake, a nod to one of Dallas’s historic leisure destinations, hangs above the hand-carved reception desk, which features a galloping herd of wild mustangs in tribute to the nearby university. Star-shaped pendant lights and millwork enhance the space, while cacti and native fauna bring the outdoors in. A large communal table and coffee counter provide a space for guests, students, and locals to work, gather, and connect.
Los Charros Smokehouse, the hotel’s signature restaurant, is a spirited celebration of Tex-Mex and Texas barbecue traditions. The name pays homage to los charros – Mexican horsemen known for their ornate attire and bold spirit – an influence that carries through in both the menu and design. The industrial-meets-rustic setting features reclaimed wood, patinated corrugated steel, and textile elements drawn from the hotel lobby, including a ceiling mural inspired by hand-woven rugs. At the heart of the space is a communal dining table with red-painted finishes, complemented by a bar outfitted with saddle-style stools that nod to Texas ranch life. Punched tin sconces and custom bolo-tie light fixtures add character and reinforce the cowboy aesthetic.
Guest rooms combine mid-century modern influences with a fitting red, white, and blue color palette. Grass cloth wallcoverings and navy-striped upholstered beds are complemented by playful design details, such as custom pillows embroidered with nods to the nearby university, and locally inspired artwork. Bespoke details include custom ceramic bedside lamps and lounge chairs upholstered with the state Flower, the bluebonnet. Original tilework was maintained across all guest bathrooms, enhanced with bold blue accents and custom horse-print wallpaper.
Graduate Dallas is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 world-class hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app.
Tags: Parker Henderson, Graduate by Hilton, Dallas AJ Capital Partners, Ben Weprin, Graduate Hotels
