Urbnlivn - Latest Comments in Barry talks about his vision for 1

Re: Barry talks about his vision for 1

kh — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 02:46:23 -0000

i agree with those above saying that there are so many industries that are green washing instead of reducing the impact they have on the environment. but the fact still remains that global warming is a crisis and change has to start somewhere...

from the architecture 2030 challenge website:

Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration illustrates that buildings are responsible for almost half (48%) of all GHG emissions annually. Seventy-six percent of all electricity generated by US power plants goes to supply the Building Sector. Therefore, immediate action in the Building Sector is essential if we are to avoid hazardous climate change.

Re: Barry talks about his vision for 1

Alex — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 01:23:13 -0000

What the $1400sq/ft? I think I just crapped my pants and it's green! I love how using the whole "green" allows for things to be sold at an extreme price in order for someone to say they are being environmentally sound. If someone really wants to feel good about themselves they really should do something with their money that helps the environment instead of buying some multi-millon dollar place that is likely their second or third home.

Hmm I wonder when people say "green" products exactly what kind of process the products go through to be recycled or reclaimed? I bet the carbon footprint that the process leaves is much worse on the environment than some new products. For some reason huge profit in the name of environment just doesn't sound right. Did anyone ever see that Simpsons episode where Lisa taught Mr. Burns how to recycle plastic pop can holders?

Re: Barry talks about his vision for 1

mhays — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 18:19:56 -0000

Yes, practice what you preach, but green is very worthwhile. We use too much energy and resources, both for construction materials and for building operations such as HVAC. Of course, if you can live in a condo and not drive (or drive less), you're being green already compared to most in the US.

It's a sketchy neighborhood now, but it's turning around very quickly. I love the location. Hopefully heroin teriyaki at Pike will remain, because I loooove my regular chicken extra sauce extra dressing no fork no napkin no bag.

Re: Barry talks about his vision for 1

EconE — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 02:08:11 -0000

WOW! What a great thread. I'll bet you are now going to be "persona non grata" at any future condotel gala wine and cheeze parties.

I'm with Jo...green?...Just give me something quality that lasts. That's green in my opinion. It's not like I'm asking for lead based paint but really..."Built Green" is almost marketed in such a way that it conjures up images of "non-green" buildings belching plumes of toxic smoke.

I love how the developers/corporate execs...whoever...try to shove "green" up our collective a$$es while they fly around on corporate jets or cruise the oceans in superyachts. Practice what you preach is what I say.

for example...here's an interesting article from the past that talks about corporate jets...look who gets mentioned towards the end!

http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/P131860.asp

Re: Barry talks about his vision for 1

jpsfranks — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:10:55 -0000

"The site is on an important block"

i get on the bus across 3rd on the bon marche side every evening. it doesn't seem all that much scruffier than other blocks downtown, but the 3rd and pike intersection seems to have a reputation for being some sort of gritty epicenter. i will say that the McD's dollar menu does a crazy amount of business there.

Re: Barry talks about his vision for 1

MacAttack — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:50:35 -0000

Looks like the inside of an ordinary motel room for me. Too hip, I guess.

Re: Barry talks about his vision for 1

CG — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 14:15:19 -0000

Note that "Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc." and "Starwood Capital Group Global LLC" are unaffiliated entities. The latter is a private equity fund managed by Barry Sternlicht, who used to be CEO of the hotel corporation. Today, Sternlicht has no role whatsoever in the management of Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

These days, wearing his "Starwood Capital" hat, Sternlicht has investments in a bunch of hotels (and other real estate ventures), including Starwood Hotels, but also including some of its competitors. I don't know why Sternlicht likes confusing folks by continuing to use the Starwood moniker for his new investment ventures. But, to my knowledge, Starwood Hotels is not involved in the rollout of "1".

Re: Barry talks about his vision for 1

Chris — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 13:59:33 -0000

Did you ask them about the 11th hour redesign? maybe 1400 psf was problematic for sales?

Re: Barry talks about his vision for 1

Bob — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 13:49:50 -0000

You are a celebrity now. How were the hors d'oeuvres?

$1400/sf is approaching NYC prices. Owners save 10-15% operating costs (electric bill?) but how much more do they have to pay in the first place? I am afraid the most "progressive" citizens in Seattle won't be able to afford this place.

Re: Barry talks about his vision for 1

mattgoyer — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 13:34:07 -0000

Brian, I guess I should point out that I'll likely never stay at 1 in Seattle nor is it likely to be at a price point where I'd suggest that family or friends stay there when in town. However, I do have a few friends on the Eastside who would likely use it as a weekend getaway.

Re: Barry talks about his vision for 1

brian — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 13:28:23 -0000

I would say that in a progressive West Coast city you're not the only one, but you may very well be in the minority (especially in-city).

Re: Barry talks about his vision for 1

jo — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 13:06:32 -0000

Am I the only one who could really care less about a building being "green"?

It's a nice to have, however it's not something I'd be willing to pay more for.

Re: Barry talks about his vision for 1

Jason — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 10:54:06 -0000

When I get a "parking ticket" on my hybrid, I send a letter to the "police department" explaining that, in fact, they are the villains and that I am not. You see, the police use extraordinarily inefficient cars while I am saving the earth.

To date, not once have I ever needed to pay any "parking fees" in my hybrid car in Seattle. Try it sometime!