Parker: Hospitality industry veteran Ostrem eager to take helm of new Element hotel in downtown Calgary
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Tim Ostrem has enjoyed three decades of experience in hospitality, an industry he is passionate about, and he is excited to take on the role of general manager of the Element by Westin Calgary Downtown that is expected to open next month.
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Ostrem has gained a wealth of knowledge with managed, franchised and independent properties, holding senior roles in hotels where he delivered exceptional results. They include the Algonquin Resort, the former CP hotel at St. Andrews by-the-Sea in New Brunswick, after it became the first Autograph by Marriott hotel in Canada.
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The opportunity to manage a brand-new property has kindled his flame into a roar — he is in his element in the Element, super busy putting together his team. Leadership is in place and he currently has around 60 staff, with an expectation of 90 to 100 full- and part-time workers when the hotel is fully operational.
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The Element is at 833 4 th Ave. S.W. in the former Canadian Centre office tower, a cornerstone conversion under the Downtown Calgary Development Incentive Program. Owned by Calgary-based PBA Group of Companies, it is a partnership between PBA and Concord Hospitality — the same relationship that brought us the Dorian, the 27-storey, dual-brand Marriott Autograph Collection and Courtyard Marriott hotel on 5th Avenue S.W.
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Occupied for many yeas as Mount Royal College, people will be shocked to see how the 12-storey, 170,000-square-foot office tower has been transformed into a modern, eco-friendly hotel featuring 226 spacious suites.
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'Being a refreshed and exciting new offering to Calgary's Downtown West neighbourhood is an incredibly rewarding experience — one that's only just beginning,' says Ostrem. 'We look forward to introducing the Element brand to Calgarians as the ideal place to stay, with many wellness features — as a place they can confidently recommend to friends and visitors.'
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Atop the concrete construction is the rooftop level Bow & Bend restaurant — so named for its great view of the bend in the Bow River by Prince's Island. It is designed as an inviting social and dining experience, with space to seat 150 guests with indoor and outdoor seating and private dining room options.
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