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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-25-2020 Public Comment - A. Whitten - Armory Hotel Project Application 19410From: Aaron Whitten To: Agenda; Brian Krueger Subject: Application 19410 Downtown Armory Project Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 3:58:27 PM Good Day, I’m writing in earnest to request that community planning and development approve the Armory Hotel project application as submitted. I am a proud new member of the Bozeman community and thrilled to integrate with this vibrant, creative and growing city. I further represent a growing group of professionals in the area in my role as the operating manager for this upcoming Kimpton Armory hotel. My perspective here may be a unique one in that I have been blessed to have developed, positioned and supported many a hospitality project in varied markets. I’ve had opportunity to lead the charge in projects from Las Vegas (a surprisingly close community) and Seattle to as far as Amsterdam in the Netherlands. All varied in size and intention but with the overarching priority to connect with the culture and objectives of the people in the area. I’m overjoyed to be here in Bozeman and so grateful to the community for the warm welcome. You may imagine that a big part of the current obligation for myself and our small Armory team is connection and outreach with the community. We have connected with MSU and the hospitality program, attended a well-organized career fair there, spoken to students in class setting, scheduled for cooking education with the culinary students, attended charitable events with the Emerson and YMCA, connected with surrounding and similar business owners both individually and through well- orchestrated organizations like the CVB and DBA and simply spoken with individuals throughout the city about our developing new social hub for the people in the community. This is why I moved to Bozeman. To be a part and support of the future of this vibrant and special place. The response and energy received from the area is incredibly positive. People are thrilled with the upcoming additions of our restaurants, bars, upscale hotel rooms and fantastic event space. The positive anticipation is palpable. On potentially more direct relation to the current decision to be made, having spent substantial time in strategy and review with the developing team of this project as well as the ownership, it is clear at nearly first glance that these are folks that care deeply for the culture and history of Bozeman. The building as designed brings to life elements of Fred Wilson’s own intentions never actualized. Inspiration received through pouring over the original architectural drawings by the current ownership team. The history and story of the building and area are everywhere in the newly reimagined interior as well. Meeting spaces are named with serious thought to the history of Bozeman, original art from the community abounds, the main restaurant even showcases Fred himself in both image and name. Be on the lookout when you visit, I will find a place to pay homage to the seemingly famous jazzercise classes hosted in the old gymnasium. This is yet to be identified but seems to bring joy to those who remember this unique time in the buildings various lives. Every decision on this project has led with the question of how the revitalization of this old Armory can positively impact the area and residents of Bozeman. This is a practice that will continue in the programing, operating and activation of every aspect from exterior to arrival. Interior and programming. Our team will consist of nearly 200 residents of the city. A new opportunity in hospitality career development for students of the college, professionals of the area and even those simply in search of professional direction. Our brand and style of leadership brings personal development front and center for team members and community support as a priority. We are looking to integrate this revitalized armory back into a city that is asking for new and nostalgic experience alike, I ask that you hear that call and allow us to bring this project to life in all ways. All the best, Aaron Whitten Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants General Manager│The Armory Hotel 24 W Mendenhall St Bozeman MT 59715 Proud to be #10 on FORTUNE Magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For List for 2020