In response to financial pressures and workforce-readiness concerns facing higher education institutions in the U.S., The Brittano Group has launched The Cornerstone Collection, an initiative designed to integrate boutique hotel development with academic and workforce training programs, particularly in hospitality and related fields.
The company has already established partnerships with four colleges and universities—including several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
According to the group’s founders, Julian and Karie Brittano, the collection is positioned to function both as a hospitality brand and as a co-curricular ecosystem that provides real-world training opportunities for students across a variety of disciplines.
The collection operates as a subsidiary of Rook Hotels, a hospitality brand also owned by The Brittano Group. Unlike traditional campus hotels, which often focus solely on lodging for visiting families and guests, Cornerstone properties are intended to serve dual roles: as hotels and as educational infrastructure. The initiative includes plans for both new-construction and adaptive-reuse properties, depending on the needs and resources of each partnering institution.
“The idea came from conversations with university leadership—especially at HBCUs—who expressed a need for on-campus lodging and student development opportunities,” said Karie Brittano, cofounder/co-CEO, The Brittano Group, who brings experience in commercial construction and academia. “Many of these schools already have available land or buildings, and we saw an opportunity to collaborate.”
As of early 2025, institutions affiliated with the initiative include Livingstone College in North Carolina and Voorhees University and South Carolina State University in South Carolina. Additional discussions are ongoing with North Carolina Central University and others.
At the core of The Cornerstone Collection model is its educational offering, according to its founders. Students studying hospitality, culinary arts, marketing, business, engineering, media and other disciplines may have access to experiential learning opportunities tied to hotel operations. Partnerships with organizations such as the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), Choice University and The Block Builders Academy are designed to supplement classroom instruction with certifications, internships and practical training.
“There are already existing programs that allow students to work in hotels,” said Julian Brittano. cofounder/co-CEO, The Brittano Group. “What makes this model different is that it integrates the university more deeply—not only through student employment but also through shared revenue opportunities and academic engagement.”
The Brittanos said they plan to involve university alumni associations and other campus-affiliated entities in the long-term financial structure of each hotel, though specific terms vary by project.
The Cornerstone Collection is one of several emerging models that explore real estate and hospitality as revenue-generating assets for colleges. University officials working with the Brittano Group are exploring how these hotels can support campus operations through event hosting, lodging for visiting teams and faculty, and the integration of campus meal plans or student IDs into food and beverage operations.
“Some of our locations will be directly on campus, while others may be adjacent,” said Julian. “Either way, they’re structured to align with the university’s goals.”
Each hotel is expected to vary in size and design based on local demand and campus culture. While 120 rooms is a general target, some locations—such as Voorhees University—are planning smaller, 60-room properties. Most locations are classified as boutique hotels, and some are being designed as adaptive-reuse projects of existing campus facilities.
Although students will participate in the hotel operations through internships and academic partnerships, the hotels themselves will be managed by third-party professional firms.
“We’re not handing over the front desk to students,” Karie clarified. “The hotels will be professionally managed, with defined roles and expectations for student involvement.”
The Cornerstone Collection aims to attract a variety of guests, including campus visitors; prospective students and their families; and local residents. While a portion of the design is tailored to institutional needs—such as dedicated units for visiting faculty—the concept also emphasizes integration with the surrounding community.
“The properties are being customized to reflect the culture of the university and the region,” said Julian. “That includes design choices, menu offerings and event programming.”
While the first Cornerstone properties are still in various stages of planning or early development, The Brittano Group planss to expand beyond HBCUs to include other institutions.
“We’re building this with long-term viability in mind,” Karie said. “Our goal is to develop properties that are financially sustainable and educationally relevant.”
Additional funding may be sourced through public-private partnerships (P3s), tax credits and institutional investments. The group noted that pre-construction activities assessments are currently underway.
