The new owner of Hotel Pattee recently announced he had hired a new General Manager, and it’s someone with strong ties to Perry.

Aaron Lenz grew up in Perry and graduated from Perry High School in 2001, and actually worked at the Hotel while in college at Iowa State University. After working and studying around the country, most recently in Colorado, Lenz returned to Iowa. As new owner Tom Maxwell was looking for someone to run the hotel while he was away, Lenz’s name came up in conversations as someone who would be a good candidate. Maxwell offered the job to Lenz, who accepted and has already begun to acquaint himself with his new staff.

Both Maxwell and Lenz step into their positions due to the imminent departure of previous owners, Jay and Denise Hartz. Maxwell officially takes over ownership on March 1st, though the Hartzes will stay on during the transition for three months at the most.