Hotel Parq Prepares for September Soft Opening

by Joni Conrad

Recently I sat with owners David Oberstein, Marc Bertram and Managing Director Yancy Sturgeon in Highland Park to talk about the latest developments taking place in our neighborhood’s boutique hotel, the former Memorial Hospital built in 1926.

The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and the designers worked hard to ensure that the property retained and restored many of the unique original features, while also incorporating a modern sensibility and luxurious amenities. The front entry’s “Grand Staircases” were was restored, the interior columns were finished with handmade New Mexico tile. Also, the working features of the 1926-era windows were salvaged, including the frames, sashes, and jams as well as the decorative tile used on the exterior below the windows. The business center is also designed with a nod to the past a large table has acrylic pan- els from old local newspapers, and in the breakfast room smaller café tables feature digitally imaged his- toric maps of the area.

They explained the lay out of the “Campus”: the old power plant will now house a small state-of-the-art fitness room, employees lounge, housekeeping and laundry facilities along with three guest rooms. At the west end, “the Cottages” are three free standing newly built structures comprised of, one-bedroom suites which include fireplaces in the bedroom areas, walled terraces and living rooms. At the far southern end of the property, “the Residence,” where formerly the doctors lived, are being converted into nine guest rooms and a nice parlor area complete with a TV and fireplace.

The Parq Hotel will offer 74 rooms with a beginning rate of $139.00 per night and include a gourmet conti- nental breakfast served in the gracious parlor facing Highland Park. The light filled parlor boasts tall windows and doors leading to the walled terraced areas outdoors. The parlor and adjoining area will accommodate up to 80-100 guests for receptions or meetings. There are two smaller meeting spaces which are flexible enough to hold groups or receptions up to 60 guests.

The Apothecary Bar crowns the rooftop. Light fare or tapas will be on the bar menu. The deck facing the Sandia Mountains will accommodate 60 seated and 150 standing. This venue is surely to become one of the most popular gathering spots in the Duke City to enjoy the view and have a cool drink. It will be a celebrated place to create an event or host a gathering of friends.

The plan is for a mid September soft opening of the main building with the entire property available for occupancy by the first of October in time for Balloon Fiesta.

Long before they broke ground in May of 2009 owner David Oberstein of Santa Fe has been in close contact with the Hunning Highlands Association. On many occasion they have expressed enthusiasm about being apart of our neighborhood and want to play a role in partnering with our revitalization. They are extending a preview tour to the board as soon as it is safe to do so.

If you want to make reservation or plan an event please contact Yancy Sturgeon at 242-4982