1 Hotel's Second Outpost in New York Fuses Scene and Sustainability Without Being Preachy

For the second outpost of 1 Hotels, the flourishing dynasty of stylish, sustainable properties that became an instant hit after debuting last year in South Beach, hotelier Barry Sternlicht chose New York—specifically a corner location one block from the city’s green heart, Central Park. Refurbishing an old Manhattan building presents myriad tripwires, so you can imagine Avroko’s reaction when the local studio was told they had to apply an adaptive reuse process to the design that maintains a negative carbon footprint. “That complex tangle of existing structure and new functionality requires a careful study of the floor plans in order to make sure the guest experience and brand vision are upheld throughout the design,” says Adam Farmerie of Avroko. Adds one of his partners, William Harris: “It was actually less of a challenge finding eco-focused materials; rather. Delivering on 1 Hotel’s other cornerstone—luxury—while still ensuring the materials were environmentally sound was tricky.” The solution: a little bit of design jujitsu, turning the rough elements—natural wood headboards made from New York City water towers, existing terracotta blocks—into artful finishes. Yes, there are hippyish nuances such as hemp Keetsa mattresses, terrariums, and five-minute hourglasses in the shower that give guests a gentle reminder about wasting water, but it never feels preachy. In case there’s any doubt about the brand’s fusion of scene and sustainability, just head to Jonathon Waxman’s reincarnated ‘80s restaurant Jams, where the Barbuto chef turns out a rustic, farm-focused menu. It anchors the lobby, where a living art piece by Brooklyn’s Sprout Home adorns a wall. Say the words and a provided chauffeur awaits, thought not in a Bentley, How about a Tesla? 1hotels.com