Carolina fans visiting Chapel Hill will have a new way to express their loyalty to the Tar Heels.
The Graduate Chapel Hill — formerly the Franklin Hotel — is remodeling and will offer a detailed recreation of Michael Jordan’s UNC dorm room, as featured in a 1983 Sports Illustrated photo shoot.
The photo was featured in Sports Illustrated’s November 28, 1983 issue that explored Jordan and Sam Perkins’ careers at UNC.
“The room is an identical replica,” Graduate Hotels CEO Ben Weprin told ESPN. “From the ceiling, to the brick wall, to the record player and records, the posters, the pennants — every single piece in that room, we have it.”
The hotel offers many other relics of UNC basketball history — including game-worn sneakers from 1983, a $5 check Jordan cashed after winning a game of pool and Jordan’s actual student ID card.
But the Jordan Suite — Room No. 23 — is one of the biggest attractions.
“We thought it would be a fun way to pay homage to him,” Weprin said of the Jordan Suite. “It is like going back in time, trying to get in the head of Michael Jordan. He was a normal kid — even though he is an icon now.”
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.
Related Stories
‹
News Around Town: Halloween on Franklin Street in 2025Read a conversation between Chapel Hill mayor Jess Anderson and 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey about Halloween on Franklin Street.
Shooting Near W. Franklin Street Injures 1; Chapel Hill Police Arrest SuspectThe Chapel Hill Police Department is investigating a shooting along West Franklin Street Thursday evening which sent one person to the hospital.
Chapel Hill's He's Not Here Among The Athletic's 'Top 10 College Bars' for 2025A downtown Chapel Hill staple long known for its appeal to both UNC students, Tar Heel fans and visitors recently landed on a national list. The college football staff for The Athletic — a sports journalism magazine under the New York Times’ umbrella — named the 112 1/2 West Franklin Street bar He’s Not Here […]
Honduran, Latin American Food Truck Prepares to Open W. Franklin Street Restaurant on Sep. 5Chapel Hill is about to feature a new addition to its restaurant lineup: The Latin Effect, which is expanding from its food truck operations.
Chapel Hill Police: Body of Deceased Male Discovered Inside Siena Hotel; Franklin Street ReopenedA block of E. Franklin Street is shut down as authorities communicate with an individual who's barricaded themselves inside the Siena Hotel.
A New Bar, 'Extension' of Al's Burger Shack, Is Now Open in Downtown Chapel HillAl's Burger Shack at 516 West Franklin Street added another business to its operations, with the official opening of Puddin's Beer Shack.
Chapel Hill Police Investigating Armed Carjacking on East Franklin StreetThe Chapel Hill Police Department is investigating an armed carjacking which took place at The Siena Hotel early Saturday morning. Police say they responded to initial reports of the carjacking at around 2:25 a.m. Investigators reportedly determined three men stole a vehicle outside the hotel, located at 1505 East Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, […]
Tech Company Announces New Corporate Headquarters on West Franklin StreetIotaComm, Inc., a wireless communications and data services company, will be relocating its corporate headquarters to the top floor of the office space at 200 West Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill. “We’re thrilled IotaComm is calling Chapel Hill home,” said David Putnam, the town’s economic development director. “Once again, Chapel Hill stands out among […]
Siena Hotel Leadership Recaps Busy Week Hosting Mexico Men's National TeamWhile they were in Chapel Hill, the Mexico men's soccer national team stayed at the Siena Hotel – catching the attention of El Tri fans.
Chapel Hill Hosts Annual Pride Promenade, Celebrates LGBTQ+ CommunityFranklin Street was filled with color and celebration of LGBTQ+ visibility on Saturday, as Chapel Hill held its annual Pride Promenade.
›
