Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has relocated its global headquarters from White Plains, NY to Stamford, bringing more than 800 jobs to Connecticut. Located in the Harbor Point development on Stamford's historic waterfront, Starwood s new 290,000-square-foot global headquarters comprises a two-tower office complex and is just minutes from downtown Stamford. The new global headquarters will be LEED certified, which aligns with Harbor Point s own LEED certification.

Not only does this move to Stamford make great business sense, but it also provides the opportunity to design office space that is illustrative of Starwood's leadership in global hospitality, design and brand-building, as well as our commitment to the environment and our communities, said Frits van Paasschen, President & CEO, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Our new home base is a great showcase for Starwood and our nine brands.

Starwood will pursue LEED certification from the US Green Building Council for its new office space. Designed by renowned firm HOK, the rejuvenated offices boast a sleek design that utilizes eco-friendly materials to create open spaces with ample natural light. Energy-conserving LED and CFL lighting was installed, along with recycled carpeting, Forest Stewardship Council-certified woods, low-VOC finishes and water conserving plumbing fixtures. Starwood expects to decrease energy use by 15 to 25 percent and water consumption by approximately 40 percent from its previous flagship offices.

Though the global headquarters has moved from White Plains to Stamford, Starwood is not leaving New York state where the company has 27 hotels and more than 4,000 associates. Starwood is also one of the largest hotel operators in New York City which is the only city in the world to boast all nine Starwood brands.

Connecticut is currently home to four Starwood Hotels Four Points by Sheraton Meriden, Four Points by Sheraton Norwalk, Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley Airport and the newly opened Sheraton Stamford which is located just a few blocks from the new headquarters.

Set on an 80-acre peninsula, Harbor Point is an urban redevelopment project converting a former industrial area just south of downtown Stamford into a sought-after commercial/residential district and exciting urban destination. The overall design of Harbor Point emphasizes walkability, mixed-use development, ample open space, and park areas. Home to the new apartment communities 101 Park Place, the Lofts at Yale & Towne, and The Lockworks, as well as several projects currently in development, Harbor Point is bustling with nearly 1,000 new residents. In addition to Starwood, Harbor Point has seen an influx of both large and small commercial and retail tenants. Harbor Point has been awarded LEED Gold Status for leadership in environmentally-friendly neighborhood design. Additionally, Starwood has secured the option to develop more hotels in the South Stamford area over the next several years.