City To See First Green Luxury Hotel

NEW YORK CITY-Starwood Capital Group has plans to introduce green luxury to Manhattan. The company will open a “1″ Hotel and Residences at 14-20 W. 40th St., as part of its eco-friendly global hotel brand.

The “1″ Hotel and Residences at Bryant Park will form part of a 31-story mixed-use development that is being constructed by 40th Street Development LLC, an affiliate of New York City-based Ascent Real Estate Advisors LLC. The project will take the place of a parking lot.

The property will be constructed according to LEED standards and was designed by architect Morris Adjmi. The Natural Resources Defense Council will act as an advisor on the project and will help Starwood solidify its environmental goals and standards.

“Today marks an important step in the development of what I believe will truly become a revolutionary force for change in the hospitality industry,” says Starwood chairman and CEO Barry Sternlicht, in a statement. “When we announced the creation of ‘1,’ we promised it would combine a truly luxurious living experience with a commitment to environmental standards and responsibility, and there is no better place to implement such a vision in New York than across from one of the city’s most adored parks.”

Starwood plans to make the hotel at least 30% more energy efficient than requires by state law through day lighting, occupancy sensors, lighting control systems and Energy Star appliances. Additionally, high recycled-content and locally made materials will be incorporated into the building; and 50% of the energy used will be sourced by wind, hydro and biomass.

The hotel is slated to open in 2010, and will contain both hotel units as condominium spaces. In addition restaurateur Stephen Hanson is creating a dining component for the project. “Guests and residents of the Bryant Park ‘1′ will quickly come to expect nothing less than a premier hotel and dining experience that appeals to each of their senses and promotes a sense of tranquility amid the otherwise bustling streets of Midtown,” Hanson says. “Our kitchens will use organic and other fine local ingredients to prepare extraordinary meals that are completely in tune with the building’s environmental conscience.”

The “1″ Hotel and Residences brand is also being attempted in Seattle; Scottsdale, AZ; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Mammoth Lakes, CA; Washington, DC; and Paris.