New York’s First Green Boutique Hotel slated for 2008

Green amenities include high-tech occupancy sensors, certified organic products, a first-floor roof garden, and a bar/cafe with exclusively organic fair.

by Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 5/1/2007

Starting next year, New York will offer eco conscious travelers its first green boutique hotel. Greenhouse 26 plans to land LEED Gold from the U.S. Green Building Council with its environmental practices—including conservation of energy, electricity, water, materials and waste.

Designed by Arpad Baksa of Arpad Baksa Architect and developed by Jack Ancona and Flatiron Real Estate Advisors, the 19-story hotel, located in Chelsea, will be the first to employ a geothermal heating and cooling system. Energy and cost savings for the 28 room-facility—four rooms are full-floor suites—are expected to be 40 percent. Another design first: Thermal breaks on room terraces. U.S. buildings have not tried out this technique, which uses a thermal barrier as insulation to prevent terraces from conducting outdoor heat or cold inside.

Addition green amenities include high-tech occupancy sensors for individual rooms, which will also let staff know when rooms are empty for cleaning; certified organic products including soaps, towels, robes, and mattresses, all available for purchase; a 500-square-foot, first-floor roof garden; and a bar/cafe with exclusively organic fair.

“Going green is about reducing environmental impact during development and investing upfront to conserve in the future, without sacrificing the luxuries we associate with hospitality,” says Steve Ancona, president of Flatiron Real Estate Advisors. “In many cases the hotel experience will be improved by sustainable design.”

The hotel will be located at 132 W. 26th Street. Opening is slated for Spring 2008.