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