"We are thrilled that Equinox will be joining the 1 Hotel & Residences community in Seattle," says Barry Sternlicht, CEO of Starwood Capital Group and 1 Hotel & Residences' mastermind. "The upscale offerings and progressive fitness philosophy at Equinox meshes well with our project's emphasis on environmental awareness while delivering a luxury experience. Having so many amenities at one singular address enables us to offer our guests and residents a life in balance."

Situated near Pike Place Market in the heart of downtown Seattle's Market District, the high-rise will combine luxury living with environmental stewardship. To ensure this effort, Starwood is being advised by the Natural Resources Defense Council and will have all of its properties certified as a leader in energy and environmental design by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Equinox has established a lifestyle offering by delivering an unparalleled member experience that includes high-end design, state of the art fitness equipment, elite trainers, an extensive and diverse roster of classes (including spinning, yoga and pilates) taught by internationally recognized instructors, full service spas, retail stores and cafes all set in fashionable neighborhoods like Seattle. Equinox has parlayed this proven operating strategy into a business with more than 5,000 employees and 41 clubs nationwide. The clubs boast high-end details such as mood lighting, the very latest in exercise equipment and luxurious locker rooms. Among its 125,000 active members are famous athletes, movie stars, chief executive officers and other high achievers. And, more and more, this clientele base is becoming eco-sensitive and expects sustainable goods and services.

"There has been a huge demand for an innovative, results oriented, luxury fitness club in a number of urban cities where the market is under-served," says Harvey Spevak, CEO of Equinox. "By opening in Seattle, our aim is to meet the needs of a discriminating consumer who demands the best. We are very excited to be joining this project and working with Barry Sternlicht to execute his vision for 1 in Seattle. The location gives us a unique opportunity to bring sustainability to the lives of our members and the perfect environment to showcase a green design," Spevak continues. "For 17 years we have focused on the member experience. 'Green' for Equinox is about quality, luxury, performance and sustainability. It is about providing the healthy essentials for a life maximized. Plans call for filtered water and improved air quality, reduced electrical energy and water consumption, reusable building materials and environmentally friendly cleaning supplies."

1 Hotel & Residences is a 560,000 square foot, 23-story, full-block, mixed-use development bounded by Second and Third avenues and Pine and Stewart streets. It will house seven floors of beautiful condominium residences, an ecologically focused luxury hotel, a unique signature "green" restaurant featuring local produce, specialty grocer, the Equinox athletic club and luxurious 5,000 square feet spa, and a parking garage for 840 -- in short, downtown Seattle's most complete lifestyle. For more information, call AvStar Seattle LLC at (206) 256-1600 or visit the web site at http://www.1residences.com/.