Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim Gottier.
Hi jim, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We owned a business next door, Greenleaf’s Pool Room. The large, pretty ugly (save for the front room) space that is now Hotel Greene kept beckoning. My wife and I recognized it had potential for something fun but couldn’t quite see our way through. Our first dates (rather a long time ago) were often spent playing mini golf at the Santa Cruz boardwalk. it was an antique course, low tech, indoor and ridiculous fun. The space here in Richmond we were fascinated by was the original restaurant of the Hotel John Marshall. it had an extraordinarily high ceiling, a huge bank of windows and an original [1929] terra cotta floor. it was a natural for our “lobby”. After linking our fate to mini golf, and with this cool, historic space it seemed natural to present Highfalutin’ mini golf in a theatrical set. the literature of Europe in the first part of the 20th century gave us (and continues to!) inspiration; in particular Hotel Savoy and the collection of stories “Hotel Years” by Joseph Roth. We only built up parts of the “lobby” and left much in “as found” condition. We wanted to evoke romance, mystery and unease. Our interior could look as if it were standing for a hundred years or be carted away tomorrow. Hotel Greene in many ways is an ongoing, ever evolving, art project. We love to refer to the past, maybe point folks in fun directions, but dial back the pretension. I mean, we take it seriously enough, but also sell beer koozies!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at first. Happily it was immediately successful but we did not anticipate the amazing outpouring of enthusiasm for our sweet little spot. We did not have the right folks in place to staff it and we all got a little overwhelmed. It took some time to find the great staff we now have. Thankfully Richmond has been supportive throughout and Hotel Greene continues to be a jolly place for all.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
i think “work” is a word i would not use to describe what i have done. I studied Art History in college and later was in the employ of a great gallery in Los Angeles, the Antique Rug Company, as a buyer of textiles. I also pursued an amazing hobby of being a pool player. I got to compete on the world stage and traveled as a road player winning ( and losing) surreally modest sums of money. Nothing sets me apart from others. my proudest achievements are my marriage, my multiple walks on the Camino de Santiago and the unpublished novel “Deflection” I wrote; and, of course Hotel Greene. I love that place.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My wife and Hotel Greene co-owner/creator, Andrea Ball. As I scraped and gallivanted trying to cobble together something that resembled a living she practiced law and kept our little ship afloat. In addition, as for Hotel Greene, I surely must mention Camille Hughes, one of our early managers that was with us since the days of Greenleaf’s Pool Room and our current Manager, Natalie Richardson, who has been with us for several years now. Both women have extraordinary talents and have contributed in every way big and small. I can’t imagine where we would be without their dedication and brains and live in fear that corporate America will find them and lure them away! Also I must mention our artists and friends, Rick Araluce, Steve laRose and Leslie Herman. So much of the Romance and whimsy found in Hotel Greene comes straight from their minds and hearts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hotelgreene.com/
- Instagram: hotelgreene
