Official: Magnolia Hotels in the Aquila Building

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 9:14 pm

I thought I would check in on an add I saw in the OWH a couple months ago saying that Magnolia Hotels was looking for financial partners in developing a hotel property in downtown Omaha. Â The company is known for its restoration of historic hotels in Denver, Dallas, and Houston. Â Here is the e-mail I received in response:

Good afternoon Aaron,

Thank you for your interest in Magnolia Hotels and our growth plans for Omaha. We are working diligently on our due diligence coordinating with the Seller. It is a wonderful historic building - the Aquila Court and we feel with proper renovation and updates it will make a strong addition to the Magnolia family. We are hopeful to move forward with the deal and as all deals go, nothing is final until the deal has been signed and thus yes, you are correct; the specifics are truly confidential.

We appreciate your inquiry and look forward to adding Omaha as our 4th Magnolia.

Sincerely,

Scot Cameron

THE MAGNOLIA
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Denver•Dallas•Houston

Scot Cameron
Magnolia Hotels
818 17th Street
Denver, Colorado 80202
(p) 303-607-1218
(f) 303-607-1001
(c) 303-521-0557
(e) scameron@magnoliahotels.com
(W) http://www.magnoliahotels.com

I think this is really cool, although I was hoping to see them maybe restore a building downtown that is not already a hotel. Â My best idea would have been the old Hill Hotel, currently Kensington Tower Apartments. Â Oh well, all the more buzz on downtown Omaha's southern end.

projectman · Post by **projectman** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 9:24 pm

Cool. Sounds like this deal is more than a rumor. I'm getting real tired of rumors around here.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 9:29 pm

Me too. Although it seems like more rumers have been being put to rest lately.

UNOstudent · Post by **UNOstudent** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 10:16 pm

im not familiar w/ the Aquila Court, where is it at? how big is it? how many rooms, etc?[/code]

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 10:46 pm

Well, it's currently a Sheraton Hotel. It's on 16th and Howard Streets, just before Howard breaks off into St. Mary's Avenue.

Here are some pictures from their website,

It's already a fabulous hotel, so I'm sure Magnolia Hotels could really do some amazing things with it. It would definitely be at least another 4 diamond hotel for downtown Omaha.

Here are some photos I've taken of the actual building.

This is a side view looking east. There is a BEAUTIFUL courtyard in between the two wings.

Aquila Court is the building on the far left of this 16th Street picture.

Howard Street Facade.

West facade and courtyard entrance. All the land directly to the west and south of this building are just BEGGING to be developed....I really really love this area for its potential.

Here it is with its two beautiful neighbors, Kensington Tower and The Flatiron.

Looking west as St. Mary's Avenue splits off form Howard Street.

The Stately north facade

From the square at Howard and St. Mary's. This photo looks very Euro to me.

A little graphic I made a while back.

If you can't tell by how much the building has shown up in my photography...I really love this building, and its neighborhood.

UNOstudent · Post by **UNOstudent** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 10:52 pm

oh wow i feel dumb, i was just there for new years eve. i didnt know that the aquilla was the sheraton. i know height isnt everything, but its still in the back of my mind, could/would they do anything to make it taller and add rooms?

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 10:57 pm

Well, I certainly hope they don't "make it taller", because that would ruin a gorgeous building. There's certainly parking lot space to the south that could be used for an addition, but it seems like new construction is not their specialty. They do restorations/remodels of historic buildings.

Alt(Bayern)München · Wed Feb 02, 2005 11:00 pm

Actually the Aquila has changed hands several times in the last 15 to 20 years.
It was a Westin for awhile, then OMNI was buying it, but backed out.
At one point it was the only 4 star - 4 diamond hotel in Omaha.
Then after one of the ownership changes, it lost that rating.
It's a really cool building on the inside.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 11:03 pm

Yes, it's a gorgeous building.

I found that it has 145 rooms in its current condition.

No doubt, if Magnolia does buy it and update it, it will reclaim its 4 diamond rating.

Ingersoll1978 · Post by **Ingersoll1978** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 11:48 pm

It would be sad though to see no Starwood Hotels in the Omaha market. Hopefully they would build something new then.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 2:41 pm

That's what I was thinking, too, Ingersoll.

I asked the Magnolia guy if he knew anything about Sheraton's plans if/when they vacate that building, and he didn't know.

I think it would be awesome if they used that as an excuse to build a larger/taller/impressive/new building downtown.

Let's hope for that!

Sodak · Post by **Sodak** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 2:43 pm

Magnolia looks like a good operator. I gotta admit though, I was hoping that they were considering the Reddick. That place really needs some money spent on it. We would have had two historical hotels downtown that way.

OmahaDevelopmentMan · Post by **OmahaDevelopmentMan** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 2:55 pm

Hopefully Sheraton will find another vacant historic building to use so that our vacancy rate can be lowered.

AZCorey · Post by **AZCorey** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 3:14 pm

I have a special affinity for the Aquila Court bldg, as I used to live in both Kensington Tower, and Union Plaza on 16th st when it was being converted into a hotel....I love that building.

I am a little concerned though that it might be changing hands again....is it not a profitable hotel?? It's so beautifu, and elegant....I really hope that it makes money.

As far as renovation goes, I can't imagine what other renovations would need to be done....it was pretty well gutted and renovated when Westin first had it.....

Is Magnolia the class of Sheraton/Westin?? Never heard of them..... [/url]

Post by **Brad** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 3:22 pm

About 20 years ago was the Aquila building used as and office building by chance?

AZCorey · Post by **AZCorey** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 6:59 pm

Okay guys, correct me if I'm wrong...I've been in the desert too long, but if I recall, the Aquila was once apartments/private residences, once an office building (and I think that was the primary function), before it was a hotel, it was host of the Symphony Designer Showhouse....

For some reason I'm thinking that it was once maybe government or law offices?? Man I hate getting old....!!

projectman · Post by **projectman** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 9:04 pm

I love that part of downtown. Almost like a bit of 5th Ave in New York. Just a little bit.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 9:48 pm

I remember seeing that article in the business section a few months ago about this chain desirng to be in Omaha. Their other buildings do look more like the Kensington and Orpheum Towers but since the Sheraton is in that type of neighborhood, the Magnolia will be in good company. I don't think they will or should add onto it. The courtyard on the inside is beutiful. It has a very old world feel and since the obly building you can see from the inside are older ones it really does take you away. I hope we see more hotels sporut up DT as it becomes a more attractive destination.

eomaha · Post by **eomaha** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 9:50 pm

The Aquila Court building has a European feel about it. Definitely unique in downtown.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 9:52 pm

That would be cool to see future construction around this site resemble a European style.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Sat Feb 05, 2005 12:21 pm

AZCorey wrote:I have a special affinity for the Aquila Court bldg, as I used to live in both Kensington Tower, and Union Plaza on 16th st when it was being converted into a hotel....I love that building.

I am a little concerned though that it might be changing hands again....is it not a profitable hotel?? It's so beautifu, and elegant....I really hope that it makes money.

As far as renovation goes, I can't imagine what other renovations would need to be done....it was pretty well gutted and renovated when Westin first had it.....

Is Magnolia the class of Sheraton/Westin?? Never heard of them..... [/url]

I definitely wouldn't be concerned that it is changing hands, at least not in this situation since it is Magnolia Hotels that is courting it. Check out their website. There's a link on the original post of this thread. If it were changing hands to a Holiday Inn, yes then there might be cause for concern. In fact, quite the contrary, I think this possible changing of hands is a signal that it IS a profitable hotel!!!

And, I suppose rennovation probably isn't the right word, because the building is in FABULOUS shape. I suppose "redecorating" and further imbelishing would be more appropriate descriptions.

If this happens, it would be cool if Sheraton DID move to the Redick. Especially since the Barker and Lerner Buildings are getting renovated. The Redick would be the icing on the cake for that block.

PapioGrandpa · Post by **PapioGrandpa** » Sat Feb 05, 2005 1:44 pm

This building has seen all of the uses mentioned over the years. Until a few years ago it had the last remaining human elevator opertor in the city.

I don't think there will be a lot of change to the outside. It seems to me I've seen a brass plaque with some reference to historic register. I could be wrong.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Sun Mar 19, 2006 1:23 am

Has anyone heard anything new about this?

fourtotheside · Post by **fourtotheside** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 9:52 am

I stayed at the Magnolia in Houston this week and when I told the bartender I was from Omaha, she got all excited and said that was their next property. They've apparently already been sending people up in crews to figure out their personnel needs, etc.

A manager I spoke to said they will remain open and do a floor-by-floor renovation.

The Houston Magnolia is in a very similar neighborhood -- a couple of blocks one way, you're in the heart of downtown -- a couple blocks the other, not so much. It occupies the Houston Post-Dispatch building, which is a cool old building, though probably not as outright beautiful as the Aquila. The decorating is very upscale and hip -- similar in its contemporary feel to the Hilton Omaha, but much more warm and a little more funky. Still, the midweek rack rate I got -- $229 -- was very typical of what I expect to spend at a business-travel appropriate hotel in cities of comparable size.

They have live jazz for happy hour and put out milk and cookies at bedtime.

I'm excited this property is coming to Omaha.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 2:49 pm

That's fantastic.

And I WILL be interested to see what, if anything, Sheraton decides to do in the market. I would really hope they would relocate downtown and renovate an existing building or build something new and impressive.

This really is an amazing step for Omaha. We're going to be Magnolia's FOURTH hotel, joining Dallas, Denver, and Houston.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Mon Nov 13, 2006 8:32 am

I'm glad to hear it's still moving forward since I first heard about it a few years ago.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Mon Nov 13, 2006 9:42 am

BTW, I stayed at the Magnolia in DT Denver when we went in August. Lovely place. High rise, right downtown, cool lounge on the first floor (it was even non-smoking before the statewide ban). If they can bring that quality to a smaller box, they'll be just fine.

-Big E

Bellevue Kid · Post by **Bellevue Kid** » Mon Nov 13, 2006 8:12 pm

I was looking at the Sheraton website, and i notice that it said.......

"The Sheraton Omaha Hotel will be leaving the Starwood system on November 29, 2006. Please contact the hotel directly for reservations after November 29, 2006."

Seems kind of odd for the Sheraton to leave there chain........

UNOstudent · Post by **UNOstudent** » Mon Nov 13, 2006 10:54 pm

typed in 'magnolia hotel omaha' at yahoo and found this article

The Magnolia Hotels are upscale boutique hotels catering to the sophisticated traveler. Magnolia Hotels Corp. is a Denver-based real estate development and hotel management company concentrating on the redevelopment of historic properties into elegant hotels in central business districts. The company currently owns and operates four Magnolia hotels—in Denver, Dallas, Houston and Omaha. For more information, visit http://www.magnoliahotels.com.

http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2006 ... Execs.html

Ben · Post by **Ben** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 1:02 pm

All-
I've read this board for a while without joining/posting. Â I found this article in a Denver paper which tells of Magnoilia execs talking about the Omaha property.

-Ben

http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stori ... %5E1373898

Post by **Coyote** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 1:57 pm

This article is mostly talking about the dowtown Denver Magnolia, but could be what they are trying to do in Omaha as well. Thanks for your post Ben and welcome to this side of the forum.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 1:24 pm

Thanks for posting that, and for joining!!!

At least it confirms that they're looking to open "officially" this fall....so hopefully SOON, as well as the fact that this will be their FOURTH store among the likes of Dallas, Houston, and Denver.

Cool stuff. I'll be watching for new signage and any other changes.

OmahaChef · Post by **OmahaChef** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 5:30 pm

Bellevue Kid posted the following on the 13th of this month....

I was looking at the Sheraton website, and i notice that it said.......

"The Sheraton Omaha Hotel will be leaving the Starwood system on November 29, 2006. Please contact the hotel directly for reservations after November 29, 2006."

I would expect new signage pretty quickly. Â Hotels like to have their brand recognized as soon as possible.

Asten · Post by **Asten** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:44 pm

The deal closed today. Â Big renovations planned totaling $14m. Â

http://www.hotelinteractive.com/hi_inde ... le_id=6691

Hotel Interactive wrote:DENVER— Magnolia Hotels today announced the acquisition of the Sheraton Omaha Hotel, becoming the fourth property owned and operated by Denver-based Magnolia Hotels. The Magnolia Hotel will be the first upscale boutique hotel in downtown Omaha, contributing to the revitalization of the historic Old Market downtown neighborhood. The acquisition was effective at 3:30 p.m. MST today.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:59 pm

Wow. So 16th St. is the Old Market now.

I don't know that I'd call it the Old Market but that area between there and Park East is about due for some attention.

So far we've got...

-Magnolia Renovations
- Kimball Lofts/Ice Cream Building condos
-jLofts
- Row 19 condos
- Other small building condo conversions

Post by **Coyote** » Sat Dec 02, 2006 2:30 pm

Omaha latest site for 'boutique' hotel brings hip atmosphere to downtown

Omaha World Herald wrote:"When renovation is complete, there will be nothing like it," Hitz said. The tiled courtyard that the hotel is known for will be redone with what company officials described as a "modern, elegant design" and will feature a large fountain or water feature and potted plants. Hitz said it would continue to be a venue for weddings and other events.

The new hotel, she said, will have a "hip bar" for dining, socializing and live entertainment. The Club will feature a floor-to-ceiling, polished-concrete fireplace, lighted columns, mahogany club chairs and banquettes and a patio. It also will feature the "Library," where guests can select books, use a computer or hold small meetings...

Magnolia Hotels are owned and operated by Stevens Holtze Corp., which focuses on redeveloping historic properties in central business districts. Magnolia Hotels currently operate in Denver, Dallas and Houston. The company describes its properties as "upscale boutique hotels catering to the sophisticated traveler." Boutique hotels are independent, niche hotels that offer personalized services and usually have a luxurious or edgy design

Bellevue Kid · Post by **Bellevue Kid** » Fri Dec 15, 2006 5:06 pm

I drove by last night after the Volleyball games at the Qwest. I tried to escape from some of the traffic. They had a temporary, I hope temporary sigh that said Magnolia Hotel.

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 12:36 am

• Hmmm. Magnolia Hotels of Denver, which bought the downtown Sheraton Omaha, is promoting us as a "cow town."
The hotel chain is using a cow image in promotional materials. Under the (dairy) cow, it says: "We've moooved into Omaha."
Magnolia says Omaha long has been known as a cow town, and that Nebraska has more cows than people.
A press release says cows are a part of the city's charm, but that "Omaha is beginning to shed its image as a cow town."
Yes, it's been decades since the heyday of the old south Omaha stockyards, which are long gone.

BY MICHAEL KELLY
WORLD-HERALD COLUMNIST

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=1636&u_sid=2298031

TitosBuritoBarn · Post by **TitosBuritoBarn** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 1:54 am

Are there really more cows in Nebraska than people? I highly doubt that.

At least for what is currently available on the web-site for the Magnolia Omaha there is nothing about us being a "cow-town"

EDIT: Â :shock: Nevermind....From the World Herald:

The estimated number of cattle on farms in Nebraska this year is 14.1 million, making it second only to Texas.

Nebraska cattle are so plentiful, they outnumber Nebraska's 1.7 million people eight times over. And Nebraska has more than three times the number of cattle as neighboring Iowa

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 11:58 am

There are more roaches than people in NYC but no one calls it a Roach Town.

Â

Wouldn't calling a city they're moving to a cow town hurt their business? Who would want to stay there? It's not like we're Dallas/Ft. Worth were cows roam the streets DT everyday.

Omaha Forums

Official: Magnolia Hotels in the Aquila Building

Official: Magnolia Hotels in the Aquila Building

aquila court

confirmation from the Magnolia group