SUFFOLK, VA.—The Fibrex Group introduces the Steora Smart Bench. It is available in the United States and is the result of a business partnership with Include. Steora was invented by Ivan Mrvos of Include j.d.o.o in the Republic of Croatia.Steora Smart Bench’s unique design provides self-sustaining green solar energy to power a large suite of applications such as cell phone charging, WiFi Hot-Spot Internet connection, area LED lighting, sensor data gathering capabilities and temperature control. It even has a built-in cooling fan system to keep the seating area below 80F on hot days. Steora also brings a note of...

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM—Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group announce its partnership with IFC, a member of the World Bank Group that focuses on private sector development, to promote the design and construction of green buildings in emerging markets.The Radisson Blu Hotel, Accra Airport is the first hotel in Africa to receive IFC’s EDGE green building certification. CDC Group, the U.K. development finance institution, is a major investor in the larger real estate development where this hotel is located, and was the main promotor of achieving the certification.EDGE encourages resource-efficient buildings by demonstrating the most cost-effective ways to reduce resource intensity early in...

DALTON, GA.—J+J Flooring Group, a leading manufacturer of commercial specified flooring, announced that its Kinetex products received National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) certification as a High-Traction Surface. As a credible third-party certifier, NFSI’s commitment to education, research and the development of standards reinforces J+J’s commitment to safety. A milestone for the Kinetex brand, having high-traction certified products enhances overall safety performance and is an added benefit to its portfolio of product attributes.A comprehensive series of tests, the NFSI certification involves two phases and measures both static and dynamic coefficients of friction, under both dry and wet conditions. The first...

ASBURY PARK, N.J.—A lawn with a white picket fence isn’t standard at hotels—especially on the roof overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. But The Asbury, which opened Memorial Day weekend, is the opposite of standard. An exuberant reimagining of the classic beach hotel, The Asbury feels like Asbury Park itself—spontaneous, original, and surprising, with rock ‘n’ roll energy. The Asbury’s opening marks the next chapter in Asbury Park’s rebirth. The first new hotel in Asbury Park in more than 50 years, the 110-room property is part of the multi-billion-dollar redevelopment plan by Master Developer iStar, a ten year proposal that is...

SAN PEDRO, BELIZE—Hilton Worldwide announced the signing of the new Resort at Mahogany Bay Village to Curio – A Collection by Hilton. When open, The Resort at Mahogany Bay Village, Curio Collection by Hilton will be the first Hilton Worldwide property in Belize, as well as the first luxury resort from a global brand in the country.The rustic-chic resort destination is located in San Pedro, Belize on Ambergris Caye, about 15 miles from the mainland and 10 minutes from the San Pedro Airport. With 205 cottage and villa-style rooms, the resort sits on a 60-acre property featuring private residences,...

STAMFORD, CONN.—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced Element Hotels, its stylish eco-incubator brand, will debut in Detroit in July of 2018, following an adaptive re-use project that will transform the historic Metropolitan Building into an upscale mixed-use development. Element Detroit at the Metropolitan Building will be owned and developed by Metropolitan Hotel Partners, LLC, a joint venture between Detroit-based Means Group and Roxbury Group, and will feature 110 light-filled rooms and an atmosphere designed to fuel a life in balance and on the move.“We look forward to introducing Element to Detroit with this exciting adaptive re-use project that...

NEW YORK—The Light Human Hotel, a new eco-friendly brand and concept created by two France-based entrepreneurs—Jean-Pierre Bandeira, CEO of Light Human Hotel and Julien Veyron, Architect and CEO of atelier arcau—will make its first appearance in the United States later this year in Miami. That 80-room hotel on Collins Ave. will be the first of now eight Light Human Hotel properties to open. Additional hotels are planned in the next few years for Miami, San Antonio, Los Angeles, New York, Sao Paulo, Antibes, Rio de Janeiro and London.Bandeira says Light Human Hotels will go beyond LEED in regard to...

NATIONAL REPORT—Inspired by sea vistas and the beckoning horizon lines of exotic oceans, Du Verre Hardware introduces the WAVE collection. Graphically strong, Wave plays with light and texture in a compelling way. Whether you choose to install the hardware vertically or horizontally the pattern changes to reflect the ambient light. Three rich finishes enhance the eco-friendly recycled aluminum hardware. Two knobs and four pulls are available in Satin Nickel, Antique Brass and Oil-rubbed Bronze.Gina Lubin is the Co-founder with Gavin Mclean of Du Verre Hardware. Acting as Creative Director and occasional hardware designer, Lubin wears many hats. “I am...

SPARTANBURG, S.C.—Global flooring manufacturer Milliken announces the opening of the Milliken Distribution Center in LaGrange, Ga., in its former administrative and design building. The 143,000-square-foot facility will help accommodate the company’s growing product line, which now includes luxury vinyl tile, along with its traditional broadloom, modular carpet and entryway solutions. The distribution center began operating on June 1.“As Milliken grows in the market, it is important that we evaluate and when possible, adopt our existing facilities,” said Jim McCallum, President of the global Milliken floor covering division. “With the repurposing of this facility in LaGrange, we are able to...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—The 600-room Hilton Cleveland Downtown officially opened its doors to the public. To commemorate this milestone, Hilton Worldwide executives, Hilton Cleveland Downtown management and employees, city and county officials, community representatives and invited guests gathered for a celebratory ribbon cutting ceremony and reception. The LEED Silver certified building incorporates sustainably-minded features such as smart thermometers and occupancy censors.“The opening of Hilton Cleveland Downtown signifies not only a historic occasion for the city of Cleveland, but for Hilton Hotels & Resorts,” said Shawn McAteer, Vice President, Global Brand Management, Full Service Brands, Hilton Worldwide. “This is the first hotel...