Article by Jennifer Miller

Renderings by A&E + SMA Design 

Downtown Billings has always held a certain kind of promise. That belief is what led Don Cape Jr.,a Bozeman-based developer with JWT Capital, to invest in one of the city’s most anticipated new projects, the AC Hotel by Marriott, set to open next year in the heart of downtown.“We don’t look at what downtown Billings is today,” Cape says. “We look at what it can become.”It’s a perspective shaped by experience. After decades in commercial development and years working in Bozeman,Cape has seen firsthand how quickly a city’s trajectory can shift. “Sometimes when you’re so close to it, you don’t seethe full potential,” he says.

A Local Partnership 

This project also marks continued collaboration with Bill Honaker, the original owner and visionary of Walkers Grill, and a longtime presence in Billings' restaurant and development scene. Cape and Bill first connected through the Montana Restaurant Association, where both were involved early in their careers. What started as a professional relationship quickly grew into a shared interest in development and community-focused projects. 

“Bill is someone with a strong vision,” Cape says. “He’s always thinking about what’s next.” That vision has already played a role in shaping downtown Billings. Through Walkers and other ventures, Bill has helped create spaces that feel intentional, welcoming, and rooted in the community. 

The AC Hotel project is a continuation of that mindset. “This one has been years in the making,” Cape says. “We’ve talked about different ideas over time, and this was the one that felt right.” 

Why Billings, Why Now 

Cape and his team were no strangers to the Billings market. With existing hotel properties already operating successfully in the city, expanding their presence felt like a natural next step. But this project was about more than growth. “As a kid, downtown Billings was a really vibrant part of the community,” Cape says. “We’ve always believed in it.” 

That belief, combined with momentum in the medical corridor and continued investment in the area, made the timing feel right. “There’s a shift happening,” he says. “And it’s exciting to be part of it.”  

For Cape, the AC Hotel represents something bigger than a single development. It’s an opportunity to contribute to what he hopes becomes a new chapter for downtown. “It’s not very often you get to work on a project that has the potential to impact a community at this level,” he says. 

A Different Kind of Hotel Experience 

While Billings has no shortage of hotels, the AC brand introduces something new to the market. Originally rooted in Spain, AC Hotels by Marriott are known for their clean, European-inspired design and a more refined approach to what’s typically considered a focused-service hotel. “It’s a higher level of finish,” Cape explains. “More thoughtful. More intentional.” 

That intention shows up in both design and experience. From the lobby layout to the materials used throughout the space, every detail is curated to feel elevated without being overdone. “It’s meant to feel distinctive,” Cape says. “Something a little different than what people are used to in this region.” 

A&E + SMA Design, the architecture firm behind the project, has been working on the multi-million-dollar development for the past two years. The team has taken a comprehensive, full-scope approach, providing all design for the project, including architecture, interior design, environmental graphic design, Vero branding, and landscape architecture, as well as construction management.  

This integrated approach allows every element of the hotel to feel cohesive and intentional, from the exterior presence on the street to the interior guest experience and the visual identity carried throughout the space. By overseeing both the creative vision and execution, A&E + SMA Design has helped ensure that every detail works together to support the overall concept, creating a seamless, elevated environment that reflects both the AC brand and the character of Billings. 

Grounded in Place 

Despite its European roots, the AC Hotel in Billings will still feel connected to Montana. One of the most intentional ways that happens is through artwork. Marriott encourages each location to reflect its surroundings, and in Billings, that means drawing from both the natural landscape and the region’s cultural history. 

From the Rimrocks to the open plains of Eastern Montana, the design will incorporate elements that feel familiar, without being literal. “We want it to feel tied to this place,” Cape says. 

Designed for More Than Guests 

While the hotel will serve visitors, it was also designed with the Billings community in mind. At the center of that vision is the rooftop bar and lounge, a space Cape hopes will become a gathering place for locals as much as for travelers. “Our intention is for it to be a social anchor point,” he says. 

The rooftop experience, known as the Bureau, will offer a cocktail-forward menu, curated wine selections, and an atmosphere that can shift easily from a casual meeting spot to a more refined evening out. “It’s meant to be approachable,” Cape says. “Somewhere you can go after work, or for a night out. We’re really building it for the Billings community.” 

For Cape, what sets this project apart isn’t just the design or the brand. It’s the potential impact. “This is one of those opportunities where you can help shift momentum,” he says. That momentum, he believes, starts with how people talk about the city itself. “So often, the conversation is about what Billings is,” he says. “It should be about what Billings can become.” 

Looking Ahead 

As construction continues, anticipation for the project keeps building. For Cape, the excitement is both professional and personal. “I’m looking forward to that first glass of wine on the rooftop,” he says. 

It’s a simple moment, but one that represents something larger, a new space, a new energy, and a new perspective on what downtown Billings can be. The AC Hotel is projected to be completed in early 2027. Stay tuned for a full look at the completed project within our pages.  

Originally printed in the June 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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