With the much anticipated groundbreaking for 1 Hotel & Residences, the former half-block parking lot near Pike Place Market at Second Avenue between Stewart and Pine streets has been transformed into a bustling construction site. The new development will mark not only the establishment of the world's first global eco-luxury hotel brand but will also introduce an entirely new product category for complete urban living in downtown Seattle.

Starwood Capital Group Global, LLC (SCGG), chose to launch their new 1 Hotel brand in Seattle because the city is internationally recognized as a leader in "green" development. SCGG president Barry Sternlicht, a renowned hospitality visionary noted for creating both the W and St. Regis Hotel brands, says Seattleites share his sensibilities for environmental sustainability and for the celebration of nature.

Paul Brenneke, president and CEO of Avalon Holdings and developer of 1 Hotels in Seattle, says this groundbreaking is significant on many levels.

"Not only are we creating history with the launch of a new hotel brand, but we're introducing the Pacific Northwest's first hotel condominium – a combination condominium and hotel room – called a 'City Suite,'" says Brenneke. "1 Hotels & Residences will also set a new standard for residential excellence in both design and services for our residents and our guests alike."

The hotel and City Suite interiors were designed by Yabu Pushelberg, an interior design firm whose résumé includes some of the most notable hotels in the world. The City Suites range in size from about 750 to more than 1,100 square feet. Each is a fully functional one- or two-bedroom condominium, complete with an efficiently designed kitchen, and comes fully furnished with two flat-screen televisions, linens and even artwork. Each City Suite is a full-ownership residence that can be occupied by the owner, and when not in use, may be included in a rental opportunity with the hotel. The hotel itself will be professionally managed and operated by SCGG as directed by Gary Raymond, formerly of Intrawest, a recognized innovator of hotel condominium programs with successful developments from Whistler, B.C., to Mammoth Mountain, Calif.

"The (City Suite) program is particularly attractive to second home buyers and corporate travelers who might only spend the equivalent of a week or so a month in the city," says Brenneke. "It makes more sense to own instead of paying for hotel rooms yourself. When you're in-residence, you are living a five-star hotel resort lifestyle, and when you're not – your property is being professionally managed for you in your absence."

Brenneke adds that City Suites may be purchased by all homeowner types, without restrictions. Interested homebuyers are encouraged to register their interest online at www.1residences.com or call 206-256-1600 to reserve their opportunity for priority presales this summer.

The hotel is merely one component of this vibrant new high-rise community. The 240-foot tower is quite literally a vertical neighborhood comprised of a luxury, all-suites hotel, a destination restaurant, a full-service athletic club, an urban grocer, a day spa and premier residences. Above all is a limited collection of just 92 condominiums that range from large one-bedroom units of 950 square feet to premier three-bedroom flats with more than 5,000 square feet. Many homes boast large terraces and commanding views of the city and the bay.

There are also seven unique penthouse townhomes that are available for full personalization. These two-level residences offer options for owners to create their own signature mansion in the sky with many design ideas offered already by the Seattle Seven, a collection of leading interior design professionals who have provided concepts for each of the unprecedented residences. Brenneke says they are only a few weeks away from announcing the brands for the sports club and restaurant concept.

"We've been working with some of the best minds in the industry to concept the retail and amenities programming at 1 Seattle," says Brenneke. "We're confident that Seattle will be equally as excited as we are about this contribution to the city."

The Sales & Design Center for 1 Seattle is nearing completion on the eighth floor of Olympic Tower at 217 Pine St., directly across from the construction site. Private design presentations are currently being scheduled for new homebuyers who register online at www.1residences.com or call 206-256-1600.

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