1 Hotel and Residences Eco-Firendly Hotel in NYC

“1” Hotel and Residences is the world’s first luxury, eco-friendly global hotel brand. The new brand will open New York City’s first
five-star green hotel on West 40th Street in Manhattan, across from Bryant Park. The “1” Hotel and Residences will be part of a proposed 31-story mixed-use green tower being developed by 40th Street Development, LLC, an affiliate of Ascent Real Estate Advisors, LLC, of New York. The project will also feature condominium residences and dining concepts developed by restaurateur Stephen Hanson, and will be a green project built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Standards.

The “1” Hotel and Residences at Bryant Park will open during the first half of 2010, so don’t try to make reservations just yet. It will demonstrate that green principles can coexist and enhance a luxury hospitality experience and healthy residential lifestyle.
In addition, the “1” Hotel at Bryant Park will donate 1% of its profits to local environmental organizations guided by a steering committee with NRDC representation. Other “1” Hotels are currently being planned for Seattle, Scottsdale, Az., Ft. Lauderdale, Fl., Mammoth Lakes, Ca., Washington, D.C. and Paris.

“Today marks an important step in the development of what I believe will truly become a revolutionary force for change in the hospitality industry,” said Barry Sternlicht, Chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group. “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. Our design will adhere to Bryant Park’s feeling of openness, while promoting a healthy and invigorating atmosphere through its environmentally sensitive construction and amenities. We have many truly extraordinary signature services and features which we will showcase when this exciting hotel opens. I am delighted to be working with such highly skilled partners as Ascent, Steve Hanson and the NRDC on this project, and I look forward to inviting New Yorkers and visitors from around the world to experience the power of ‘1’ here in 2010.”

The building will feature a number of green construction and operational components, including:

Extensive use of high recycled-content and locally procured materials.
Low- and no-VOC emitting materials to improve indoor air quality.
50% of the energy used will come from renewable sources such as wind, hydro and biomass.
Greenhouse gas emissions from operations will be reduced 30%.
Potable water use will be reduced by 30% and no potable water will be used for landscaping. Irrigation water use will be reduced by 50%.
Non-toxic products will be used for housekeeping.

Stephen Hanson and B.R. Guest will deliver restaurant service, banqueting and room service. Mr. Guest is well known for his creations in New York, Chicago and Las Vegas, with restaurants that include Blue Water Grill, Fiamma Osteria, Dos Caminos, Ocean Grill and Ruby Foo’s. The kitchens will use organic and local ingredients to prepare extraordinary meals that are completely in tune with the building’s environmental conscience.

The “1” Hotel and Residences on Bryant Park will be a 31-story luxury tower to be built at 14-20 West 40th Street, on the southern side of the street between 5th and 6th Avenues, overlooking Bryant Park and the New York Public Library. The building
design was recently approved by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, and 40th Street Development, LLC is currently working with City agencies and local officials on additional City approvals.