Modern Skyscraper Housing L.A. LIVE's Hotels and Residences Earns Silver LEED Designation from the U.S. Green Building Council

LOS ANGELES, March 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The award-winning Hotels and Residences at L.A. LIVE have earned the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for the AEG development's strategic, sustainable design and green innovation.

This prominent distinction recognizes the landmark L.A. LIVE 54-story high-rise tower, housing The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE, The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, and the JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE, as an environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy place to live and work. Designed by California-based architecture firm Gensler, the residential tower spans a total two million square feet on 2.5 acres of land and contains more than 1,000 hotel rooms and 224 first-class private residences.

"This innovative building represents what is great about Los Angeles today, and also provides a view of the city's blueprint for tomorrow," said Lance Williams, Executive Director of USGBC-LA, the organization that awarded the residential tower the Silver LEED distinction. "It's the perfect intersection of sophistication and sustainability."

In addition to its convenient proximity to several city transit stations, other strategic features that qualified The Hotels and Residences at L.A. LIVE for the Silver LEED distinction include:

• Energy-efficient windows, designed to maximize daylight
• Water-saving plumbing fixtures and filtering of storm water runoff, keeping waterways clean
• Cool roof installation, covered parking and water-efficient rooftop landscaping, reducing heat island effects
• Use of low-volatile organic compound materials to minimize in-air toxins
• Offering a wide range of alternative transportation opportunities, including bicycle support, discounted parking for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles, carpools and vanpools, an employee rideshare program, and extensive public transportation within walking distance
• Use of recycled materials throughout the building, in addition to the major use of recycled steel in the building's overall construction
• Recycling areas on every floor of the tower and at the building's main loading dock

"L.A. LIVE is all about providing the best in entertainment, accommodations and services through its first-class hotel, residences and restaurants," said Timothy J. Leiweke, president and CEO of AEG, developer of L.A. LIVE. "As we have demonstrated with the STAPLES Center and L.A. LIVE, AEG is committed to building the most environmentally sustainable venues, an effort further underscored by our newest development earning this prestigious distinction."

The recent completion of The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE achieved developer AEG's original vision for the project and downtown Los Angeles. The Residences have experienced tremendous sales success, with its first residents moved in, and more than 60 percent of its 224 residences in escrow.

The Silver LEED certification represents AEG's ongoing commitment to sustainability as part of the AEG 1EARTH program and adds to L.A. LIVE's myriad awards and accolades received within the past six months by industry leaders. The project's distinctions include the Urban Land Institute's "Global Award for Excellence," Luxury Real Estate's "Best New Community," Americas Lodging Investment Summit's "2010 Development of the Year" award, and most recently, "Building of the Year," by Downtown News.

About The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE

The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE is one of the first luxury-branded residences in Los Angeles, offering exclusive "All-Access Living" in the heart of the exciting new sports and entertainment district L.A. LIVE. Residents enjoy privileged access to five-star lifestyle experiences, including services of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, such as a dedicated residential concierge/doorman, valet parking and VIP status with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel guest relations.  

For residents, just an elevator ride away are unparalleled amenities, including a world-class restaurant, residential sky lobby with landscaped terrace, private heated rooftop pool, state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, and exclusive residential lounge, with private board room and media room.

To make a reservation or find out more on living the "all-access life" at L.A. LIVE, please call 213-622-4242, or visit www.allaccessliving.com.

ABOUT L.A. LIVE

L.A. LIVE is a one-of-a-kind sports, entertainment and residential district in downtown immediately adjacent to STAPLES Center and the Convention Center.  The campus features NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE, The GRAMMY Museum, Conga Room and Club NOKIA, giving L.A. LIVE more music per square foot than anywhere else in the world.  The district offers a rich mix of local, regional and national restaurants including Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill, Rosa Mexicano, The Farm of Beverly Hills, Yard House, Katsuya, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Rock 'N Fish, Trader Vic's, ESPN Zone, Lawry's Carvery, New Zealand Natural Ice Cream and Starbucks.  L.A. LIVE also serves as ESPN's West Coast broadcast headquarters.  The campus is recognized worldwide for offering an incomparable and unforgettable entertainment experience.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jessica del Mundo or Elizabeth Lascaze for The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE
Public Relations | Phone: 213-623-4200
[email protected] or [email protected]

Michael Roth – AEG
Communications | Phone: 213-742-7155
[email protected]

SOURCE The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE