HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-18-2020 Public Comment - R. Blakeman - Armory Hotel Project Application 19410From: Blakeman, Robert
To: Brian Krueger; Agenda
Subject: Application 19410 - Public Comment
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2020 1:55:13 PM
Good afternoon,
My name is Robert Blakeman and I have been a Bozeman resident since 1993 when I first attended
MSU. At that time, the Armory was still open to public use, and I remember attending multiple
events in the gymnasium. Once decommissioned, the property became the target of vandals, and
has become quite the eyesore in an otherwise well-kept downtown. When Kyle Dornberger first
approached our local firm (Sprinkler Technology Design) to join their project as fire protection
engineering consultants, I was thrilled. To see their vision for what this property could become
without demolishing the existing structure was both innovative and nostalgic.
As a consultant on this project, I experienced the delays that this project encountered, so once
again, I was excited, the day I was driving on Mendenhall and saw that construction had finally
begun. Over the past five years, I have often spoken to friends and family about the unique nature
of the project and have had positive feedback when I have described the final product and its lofty
scale. As construction has progressed, all of us have been able to see the project come to life,
complete with the exterior embellishments that tie the new to the old. With the project so near
completion, it seems a shame to delay and opening that has been so long in the making. I cannot
wait to see the way the old gym I remember has been transformed to a grand ballroom, the way the
pool is nestled atop the existing Mendenhall structure, or see the breathtaking view from atop the
9th
floor patio, which will undoubtedly be one of the most comprehensive 360 degree views in
Bozeman.
Given the unique nature of the project and the unfortunate delays from design to construction, I
would ask that you would grant the owners, developers, architects, consultants, designers, and
contractors the ability to pass on this vision to the public without further delay. Please grant
occupancy. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Robert Blakeman
Senior Designer, Fire Protection Engineering
Coffman Engineers, Inc.
751 Osterman Drive, Suite 104 | Bozeman, MT 59715
d 406.404.7167 | p 406.582.1936 www.coffman.com