RMU Purchases Moon Holiday Inn

today announced that it has purchased the on University Boulevard for use in part as a student residence hall. 

The Moon-based university, which has more than 1,600 students living on campus, plans to continue operating the building as a Holiday Inn through at least 2012, while dedicating some floors for student residence use. 

Citing dormitory overflow and growth in student enrollment, the university last year began renting out several floors of the hotel for student housing. Currently, 144 students are housed in the hotel, which is located less than one mile from campus. 

The university in August opened its 13th campus residence hall, Peter Salem Hall. Approximately half of the RMU's undergraduate student body lives on campus. 

The hotel purchase will provide employment opportunities for students, said university spokesman Jonathan Potts. RMU has also entered into an agreement with Pittsburgh-based Prospera Hospitality to oversee the management transition of the hotel. 

Students and university officials will now have access to the hotel's pool, fitness center and conference space, according to a university news release. 

RMU did not disclose the purchase price. The university may eventually convert the hotel into a student recreation and residence hall.