Hilton's Graduate brand has launched its inaugural Texas location with the opening of a new hotel in Highland Park, Dallas, US.

The new hotel features 93 guest rooms, a lobby lounge, an outdoor pool and terrace, flexible event spaces, and a restaurant.

Nashville-based developer and designer AJ Capital Partners led the transformation of the former Lumen Hotel into Graduate Dallas.

AJ Capital Partners founder and CEO and Graduate Hotels founder Ben Weprin said: “Bringing a Graduate to Texas—particularly in the heart of Highland Park, one of Dallas’ most storied neighbourhoods—has been a longtime goal.”

In March 2024, Hilton entered a $210m deal with AJ Capital to acquire the Graduate Hotels brand.

According to the deal, AJ Capital will maintain ownership of more than 35 existing and planned Graduate properties, which will continue to operate under extended franchise agreements with Hilton.

Since its inception in 2014, the brand has established locations throughout the US and the UK and is preparing for new openings in Austin, Dallas, Auburn, and Princeton.

Graduate by Hilton brand leader Parker Henderson said: “Introducing the Graduate brand to Texas—one of the country’s largest and most dynamic markets—is a major milestone for us.

“It also kickstarts the brand’s Texas expansion with another property slated to open in Austin.”