Independent Ventures

The Armory

San Francisco, CA

Built for the National Guard Arsenal in 1912, The San Francisco Armory is located in the Mission District — one of the city’s most storied and culturally rich neighborhoods. The building contains 250,000 rentable square feet on a 2-acre site. From the 1920s through the 1940s, the Armory also served as San Francisco’s primary sports venue, hosting weekly prize fights for three decades. Subsequently, scenes from ‘Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back’ were filmed in the Drill Court. AJ Capital Partners is currently transforming the iconic property into an innovative workplace for a world-class organization.

The Chicago Athletic Association

Chicago, IL

Restored and reopened in 2015, The Chicago Athletic Association is a former private club and architectural gem built in 1893 on Chicago’s famed Michigan Avenue. With commanding views overlooking Millennium Park, this iconic hotel features interior design by the renowned Roman and Williams team, with 241 guest rooms and eight distinctive dining and entertainment options that celebrate the history and allure of this Chicago landmark.

Pontchartrain Hotel

New Orleans, LA

The Pontchartrain Hotel is a neighborhood gem located on St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans. Originally built in 1927 and named after the Count de Pontchartrain, a member of Louis XVI’s court, the hotel was a destination for Frank Sinatra, Rita Hayworth, Truman Capote, President Gerald Ford and author Tennessee Williams. The property has been thoughtfully restored to maintain a historic feel while imparting a sense of modern comfort and style through­out the 106 rooms and suites. Five unique dining and entertainment options round out the offering, including the hotel’s new roof­top bar, Hot Tin, boasting unparalleled views of the New Orleans skyline.

Thompson Nashville

Nashville, TN

Situated in the heart of the Gulch, one of Nashville’s most dynamic neighborhoods, Thompson Nashville opened to wide acclaim in 2016 and features a signature ground floor restaurant, boutique retail space, and 224 guest rooms and suites. Twelve stories above the intersection of 11th and 12th Avenues is a distinct indoor-outdoor rooftop venue set against the backdrop of dramatic, panoramic views from Downtown to SoBro.

Hotel 1928

Waco, TX

In partnership with Magnolia, a Texas-based lifestyle brand led by Chip and Joanna Gaines, AJ aims to transform the Grand Karem Shrine building into an inspired hospitality experience for guests and residents of the Waco community. Project plans call for the historic property to be converted into a Magnolia-branded, inspired hospitality product with 33 guest rooms, three F&B outlets, over 6,600 SF of meeting and event space, and a Magnolia branded rooftop terrace. Originally built in 1928 and encompassing over 59,000 SF of space, the property was constructed as a Grand Shrine Temple and served as the home for the nobles of the Karem Shrine until 1995. The historic renovation is expected to commence in February 2022 and be completed in August 2023.