Did a little more digging and found that the Lamere frame is actually a Fat Frame, maybe with a "narrow" rear triangle, I got some info from Peter about his new Fat Frame and aside from being wide enough for a 5ish" rear tire, the geometry looks really good and might fit the bill for building out a 27.5+ bike.
http://xmcarbonspeed.com/Productinfo.asp?f=1402Now to get my father on some other similar bikes, Santa Cruz Hightower and Rocky Mtn Pipeline to see how the overall fit/feel is. If those seem to work we will hopefully proceed with a build.
Currently thinking, Pike Fork with Boost spacing, Monarch shock, Race Face Cranks, 1x11 XT groupset, Reverb Stealth, 800 mm bars (maybe 780), 35mm stem (length and clamp), Carbonspeed 50mm rim, Boost front hub, 177 rear, WTB Trailblazers.
I'm estimating about 26lbs and about $4k, if he wants to be closer to $3500, then some parts will change and get heavier, so closer to 28lbs.