Another Site Visit...Thanks, Olesya!

Site Visit Summaries - 

Crosby Hotel...(May 9, 2012)

It is funny to me that 2 weeks prior to this field trip that I was having dinner in the neighborhood around the corner and happened to pass by the hotel, not knowing this was the site of our planned field trip, and the thing that caught my eye when we were walking by was the LEED seal on the front of the building.  It then dawned on me that we were on Crosby and this was THE 79 Crosby Hotel!!
So here were were again, and in thinking about the site visit, there are 2 things that come to mind the most...and that is that the best parts of the hotel are 
A) the decorative portion of the design (how each room has a distinct look, but a cohesion just the same) and 
B) the outdoor patio and roof garden!

These stand out most probably because of the Biophilic trend in both.  While each room decor was unique, and without us knowing too much about the materials and furnishings used (or how sustainable they really are) you could still sense that they had nature in mind.  We saw this in the prints and motifs, in the textures, and even in the art.  You also could not help but be struck by the large windows with their old NYC casement window look, and their emphatic celebration of light and view.

The rear patio was beautiful...just the right amount of NYC and many seating options under the starlights of LEDs!  Everything looked inviting and natural down to the tables, lanterns and seating.  And it was not just lovely when you were in the patio, but it was lovely to look down at from each floor.  I would venture to guess that it is a favorite of all guests.

The green garden roof was also a diamond in the rough, and the chickens were most intriguing!  They are maybe more of an attraction rather than a super useful resource (only 2 eggs a day!) but they are a nice addition and add some color to the roof.  I wish we learned more about the usefulness of the garden's bounty and got to see the hotel's restaurant, but I can never get tired of these green roofs.

A note about the terrace off of the garden suite, I am not sure it is worth $2500 a night (what is really), but I think it goes to show that people are willing to pay for a stronger connection to nature.  And the decor was by far my favorite. Just don't touch the towel warmers...

Looking forward to reading more about the sustainable choices that were made to achieve LEED Gold Certification.