The Solaire has been environmentally engineered to consume 35%less energy, reduce peak demand for electricity by 65%, require 50%less potable water, provide healthier indoor air quality and offersubstantially more natural light than typical residentialbuildings. The residence features include the use photovoltaiccells, integrated within the exterior walls that are capable ofgenerating 5% of the building's base electric load; a Fresh airsupply to each residence, filtered to remove 85% of particulatematter; and the use of green building materials with high recycledcontent, or manufactured with renewable or rapidly renewableresources, free of formaldehyde and containing low or no volatileorganic compounds.

"The Solaire stands as a model for future residentialdevelopment in New York City and across the nation, but also as asymbol of the ability of New Yorkers to rise above adversity,"Pataki said.

"It was a challenging after Sept. 11," added Bill Norton,regional director Northeast for Northwestern Mutual, which hasinvested more than $545 million in New York City since Sept.11.