HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-27-13 letter from Morton Meyerson, 2M to the City regarding the Story Mansion JPUY
December 271", 2013
Chris Kukulski
City Manager
Bozeman City Hall
121 North Rouse Avenue
Bozeman, MT 59715
Dear Mr. Kukulski,
My name is Morton Meyerson. We met about 3 years ago when I initially
became aware of the Story Mansion situation, and spent some time with a
local architect investigating the process and projected costs of restoring the
property. After discussions with my foundation lawyer, I decided the time
was not right to pursue a purchase proposal due to complications with the
IRS code. We have resolved those issues.
I am a friend of Bozeman resident Ron Gompertz, a close Story Mansion
neighbor with long involvement in the Friends of the Story group. Ron has
kept me informed about the various plans, ideas and proposals for the
property. I understand a top priority is to assure that the Mansion property
is well maintained, kept open and available for use by the citizens of
Bozeman who have invested in the restoration and upkeep of the Mansion
over the past ten years.
Why am I interested in The Story Mansion? I know the history of the
Mansion, our family likes projects which build community, and I would like a
part-time residence in Bozeman. I head a non-profit foundation called the
David Nathan Meyerson Foundation, which is based, in my hometown of
Dallas, Texas. The foundation is a philanthropic vehicle for our family. The
foundation focuses on:
2M Capital Management, LLC I PO Box 192607, Dallas,TX 75219 1 214-443-2000 1 2M.com
• Providing financial support and training to enable people to take
control of their lives with dignity.
• Assisting humanities programs and the Arts
• Funding medical research
You will find additional background on me, our foundation, and the family
members and people who run it at www.2m.com.
have a simple proposal for you to consider. I am interested in purchasing
the Story Mansion property for $400,000 with no conditions. I would close
as soon as approved by The City of Bozeman and legal papers could be
drawn and accepted by the City. I have cash in hand and there would be no
contingencies except for a clean title and environmental report.
My plan would be to occupy the carriage house as a part time residence
when I am in Bozeman. I would want to add an adjacent two car garage
and landscaping in keeping with zoning, and the requirements of the
historical easement. I would renovate the interior of the carriage house
building to create a residence in keeping with the current zoning, as
understand it. The exterior of the carriage house would remain largely as it
is.
Our foundation would take responsibility for the Mansion and surrounding
property. The foundation would be responsible for keeping the property in
excellent condition. We would keep it open and available for public use
more than the minimum 12 days a year required. The foundation would hire
a person to manage the property, schedule events and come up with a plan
to enhance the neighborhood.
There would be future considerations such as a community garden,
program designed and/or coordinated with MSU, as well as non-profit
classes and workshops. We would work cooperatively with parties who
share our interest in promoting and protecting the property for public and
community use.
understand several proposals have been submitted, and the deadline for
proposals has passed. However, if my plan is of interest to the City of
Bozeman, I would be delighted to talk on the phone immediately to answer
your questions. I would come to Bozeman to make myself available for
personal conversations in January.
have wanted to own a home and be part of the community ever since
rented a home in the historic district 6 years ago. I very much look forward
to your reply.
Yours Sincerely,
Morton H. Meyers n
214 679 0684 cell
cc: Mayor Sean Becker
Deputy Mayor Jeff Krauss
City Attorney Greg Sullivan
Dir. of Economic Development Brit Fontenot
Commissioner Carson Taylor
Commissioner Cindy Andrus
Commissioner Chris Mehl
Commissioner Elect I-Ho Pomeroy