G
BX Group LLC, a specialist in historic property acquisition and operation, is quietly developing three downtown Walla Walla sites. The company already owns the Dacres Hotel, the former Macy’s (A.M. Jensen Company building), and the old YMCA on Spokane Street. President Brian Cappelli says Walla Walla’s Main Street charm, lively dining, and regional draw attracted the firm, which aims to foster sustainable, diversified growth that benefits residents and visitors alike.

    The Dacres Hotel and YMCA will merge into a single hospitality venture with up to 120 upscale rooms. Planned amenities include restaurants, bars, retail, event spaces, a fitness center, spa, and rooftop lounge, all designed for locals and tourists. Meanwhile, the A.M. Jensen building is slated for a retail‑hospitality conversion, creating everyday destinations for residents while boosting downtown’s appeal.

    Cappelli notes that historic adaptive reuse is complex but preserves character, creates jobs, and revitalizes downtowns, often leveraging Historic Tax Credits. Projects must resonate with the community, and GBX prioritizes local engagement and values, as demonstrated in its Walla Walla collaborations, to strengthen the city’s fabric and safeguard landmarks.