Earlier this week I had the pleasure of visiting a building that will be a game-changer for the real estate industry everywhere. 66 East 11th Street, coined “The Delos,” is a remarkable example of a shift that is happening in real estate – a shift toward a more holistic, wellness-centered approach to development.
According to delosliving.com:
“Wellness is a rapidly growing industry, and is projected to pass one trillion dollars in 2017. Though the supplement and cosmetic industries have capitalized on this growth over the last decade, the real estate industry has remained silent – until now. The purpose of all buildings is to provide for our safety and security, to shelter us from the elements, and give us a place to gather, work, play and rest. DELOS® embraces a future in which our buildings provide for more than just our immediate safety and security, and play an integral role in actively improving our health and wellness.”
“With over 75 wellness features and amenities, 66 East 11th Street will redefine healthy living – introducing proprietary and patented features that utilize cutting edge health technologies, processes, and materials – in five unparalleled loft-style homes in New York’s most sought-after downtown neighborhood.” -Delos Website
Twin brothers, Paul and Peter Scialla, believed in their mission so much that they retired this spring as Goldman Sachs partners to devote themselves to Delos. The principals in addition to Mr. Scialla and his brother are: the company’s co-founder, Morad Fareed, a former executive of the Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide and a member of the Clinton Global Initiative; and the chief operating officer, Renato Termale. Delos has already installed 16 WELLness features in several dozen hotel rooms at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. The rooms command a 40 percent premium and have, Mr. Fareed said, recovered the cost of installing the amenities.
Delos has already attracted a stream of celebrities including former President Bill Clinton; Eric Schmidt, Google’s chairman; Dr. Mehmet Oz, the TV personality; and Deepak Chopra, the self-improvement guru.
Mr. Chopra, whose brand is synonymous with spiritual well-being, said he was on board (an unpaid position, he stressed) as a Delos adviser because “it is worth it just to promote the idea.” He added: “This is the next step in the real estate industry — understanding that sustainability should begin in the home. Our bodies are sustainable but exposed to pollution, no different than the environment.” – NY Times
This is an amazing group of people making it their mission to reshape how homes are built as we consciously choose to place personal wellness and personal sustainability at the heart of all design and construction decisions.
