The LARK completes hotel expansion, continuing commitment to Downtown Bozeman
New features include 29 additional guestrooms and dynamic outdoor public spaces
The LARK, a local hotel in the heart of Downtown Bozeman, has completed its expansion that began in late 2016. This new building provides 29 additional guestrooms, bringing the total room count to 67. Part of the new addition is a café space on the ground floor, which will be operated by Treeline Coffee Roasters, offering the public and hotel guests espresso, tea, and coffee, as well as light bites for breakfast, such as pastries, and grab-and-go lunch items. Inviting outdoor spaces surround the property and offer comfortable gathering places to enjoy a refreshment and take in the Main Street vibe.
“When The LARK opened in 2015, it changed the hospitality scene in Bozeman and quickly became known as a homegrown property that the community could be proud of, and a hotel where guests could experience Montana like a local,” said Matthew Beehler, general manager of The LARK. “To now expand our hotel provides even more opportunities for us to share this tremendous experience with Bozeman and our guests. We are excited to welcome everyone to our new addition just as we kick off another beautiful summer in the Gallatin Valley.”
The expansion project reunited a unique set of talents that conceptualized and built the original LARK building, including THINKTANK Design Group, Fernau and Hartman architects and general contractor North Fork Builders. Keeping true to The LARK’s roots, local artisans and workers thoughtfully crafted the design to ensure that the property continues to serve as a creative gateway for every traveler’s Montana adventure. The majority of the new building was constructed with cross-laminated timber (CLT), a large-scale, solid engineered wood paneling that is lightweight and extremely durable. This cutting-edge material is sustainable, with a low environmental impact, and the associated construction process was less disruptive to surrounding businesses and residents, as large pieces of the building were assembled off-site.
The LARK has remained closely connected to local craftsmen since its inception. Montana artists are featured throughout the hotel, and they have given the rooms a distinctive, intriguing connection to Bozeman through infographics and expressive illustrations that provide information about the region, telling guests a story about the experiences that await them.
“The LARK is a place that serves as the epicenter of activity in the community, and we believe this expansion will make the property even more inviting,” said Brian Caldwell, project architect of THINKTANK Design Group and co-owner of The LARK. “Not only do we feel this will have a positive impact on the growing city of Bozeman but we hope to have created a launchpad for guests as they continue on their journeys throughout Montana.”
The nearby Rialto Theater, which reopened in January 2018, is under the same ownership group as The LARK. THINKTANK Design Group and North Fork Builders were also involved with the Rialto’s renovation, in which they refashioned the theater and set the stage for it to serve as an artistic and intellectual hub. Both The LARK expansion and the Rialto renovation demonstrate positive changes in the community and a commitment to engaging locals and visitors alike through welcoming spaces that inspire cultural exchange.
The LARK opened in April 2015 with overwhelming support from the community, as well as visitors from every corner of the country who came to experience the energy and spirit of Bozeman. The hotel, owned by a group of local investors and managed by Columbia Hospitality, is ideal for adventure seekers to discover, explore and be inspired by all of the nuances of the city’s continuous evolution. •
