Grand Getaway: The Olive Ann Hotel
A good staycation is hard to find, so we’re not letting this one fly under your destination radar. Recently opened in Downtown Grand Forks, The Olive Ann Hotel expertly blends Mid-century modern design, no-nonsense hospitality, and boutique-style sophistication – inspired by UND’s rich aviation history and the pioneering legacy of Olive Ann Beech, the “First Lady of Aviation.” With a nostalgic tour through time, we’re introducing you to the founders who gave this historic project wings, Sadie Gardner of 322 Hospitality Group and Phil Gisi. You’ll also meet the project’s interior designer, Christina Fluegel of PFW Designs, and its architectural and branding team, JLG Architects. Pack heavy, because after experiencing the dining, hotel, and events center, you may never want to leave these “Beech Blue” views.
THE MAIDEN FLIGHT
In the spring of 2022, Gardner and Gisi saw their vibrant vision for Downtown Grand Forks come to life, breaking ground on The Olive Ann Hotel’s historic renovation with JLG Architects and PFW Designs. To complete the hotel and event center, the site’s remaining 1915 First National Bank building underwent an extensive renovation and expansion, building on its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Completed in December 2023, the project has successfully revitalized a multibuilding block once devastated by the city’s 1997 flood and fires.
Today, The Olive Ann Hotel is home to 79 boutique hotel rooms, two dining experiences, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a board room, and five distinctive areas for events, one a 350-person event space.
The building’s retro-glam design concept forged an authentic ‘stay with a story,’
paying homage to Beech’s entrepreneurial spirit and personal penchant for art,
elegance, and design. Inside each of the hotel rooms, guests will find a curated
collection of art by Jessie Thorson and Kelly Thompson.
GRAND & GOLDEN
JLG’s architectural pre-design and branding aligned with PFW’s interior design to preserve the building’s character while capturing 50’s glamour in the golden age of flying.
THE SKY’S THE LIMIT
Olive Ann’s accomplishments as an American aerospace businesswoman earned her more awards, honorary appointments, and special citations than any other woman in aviation history. Born in Kansas, Olive Ann began her career at the age of 21, working for Clyde Cessna. She quickly moved up the ranks from secretary to office manager, then co-founder, president, and chairwoman of the Beech Aircraft Corporation, founded with a team of four others, including her husband, Walter Beech. After Walter passed in 1950, Olive Ann took over leadership, becoming the first woman to head a major aircraft company. In 1980, she was awarded the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, with later inductions into the National Aviation Hall of Fame, the American National Business Hall of Fame, and several other recognitions after her passing in 1993.
“I LIKE TO HAVE AROUND ME PEOPLE WHO FIND WAYS TO DO THINGS, NOT TELL ME WHY THEY CAN’T BE DONE.”
“It has been a privilege to be involved with bringing Olive Ann Beech and her story to the Grand Forks area in such a tangible way. The interior design reflects the spirited and bold nature of the hotel’s namesake through carefully curated details, pattern, and of course, her signature “Beech” blue. Mixed into the modern classic design are aviation references that can be seen throughout the guestrooms and public spaces – a tribute to the First Lady of Aviation.””
SKIES 322 + SWEETWATERS COFFEE & TEA
Within The Olive Ann Hotel, guests and Grand Forks residents have on-site access to Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, along with Skies 322, a destination dining experience that offers a creative spin on American classics, handcrafted cocktails, and seasonally inspired dishes by Chef Justin Welsh. Inside Skies 322, guests are immersed in a gallery of locally sourced paintings, sculptures, and photography.
CLOUD 9 EVENTS
Beyond its boutique hotel amenities, The Olive Ann Hotel is ready to celebrate or get down to business. The Hotel’s commercial office and event space features five distinct areas: The Boardroom, which accommodates up to 12 people; The Landing, a second-floor, 1,500 SF space for 60 people; two private rooms within Skies 322; and Cloud 9 Events, a 350-person fifth-floor event space that overlooks the city.
“Grand Forks is a great place to live, work, or visit – there are so many amenities,” added JLG’s Andrew Budke. “This downtown neighborhood hasn’t had a lodging option of this quality in years, so it’s no surprise that so many people are excited about it, including retailers and restaurateurs who know the kind of energy The Olive Ann Hotel can bring to downtown. The Hotel also helps showcase the Greenway and its 20-mile network of trails and outdoor recreation. It’s an amazing opportunity for the whole community to put our best foot forward and show visitors what Grand Forks has to offer.”
Staying at The Olive Ann Hotel? Extend your stay to explore downtown’s breweries and boutiques, including Molly Yeh’s pastry shop, Bernie’s, just steps from Olive Ann’s front door. Downtown, you might even catch the Food Network’s film crew shooting another episode of Girl Meets Farm. Yes, Grand Forks is Grand!
BOOK YOUR GRAND GETAWAY OR EVENT AT:
The Olive Ann Hotel
14 N 4th St, Grand Forks, ND 58201
701.670.1354
info@theoliveannhotel.com
theoliveannhotel.com