The eco-friendly Element hotel is opening in a LEED renovated building across from Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas in the fall. Courtesy of Atlantic Hotels Group.

June 12, 2018

A LEED-certified renovated building in the Dallas medical district will soon reopen as an environmentally friendly boutique hotel.

The Element by Westin is set to open its third North Texas location in a 100,000-square-foot building across from the Baylor University Medical Center in the fall.

The former Dallas Health & Rehabilitation Center building was built in 1964 and has sat vacant for years, according to the Dallas Morning News.

“We are bringing a landmark building of the area back to life," said Erika Konig, senior sales manager for Element by Westin Downtown Dallas East. "In essence we are recycling a building with this latest generation of the Element hotels.”

According to Konig, the building will receive basic LEED certification with eco-friendly practices incorporated into the Element design wherever possible.

“Starting with our guest rooms, we use carpet that is made from 100 percent recycled content and low VOC paints on the walls,” said Konig. 

The Element Dallas EastWith 151 guest rooms, the hotel's green features include energy efficient appliances, reverse osmosis water filters and S’well water bottles that guests are able to use throughout their stay in order to reduce the use of plastic bottles. 

“Even our wall art is mounted from a base made of recycled tires,” Konig adds. “Our indoor pool is a saline water pool, which is better for your skin and for the environment.”

The propery's extensive recycling program will include bins located in every guest room as well as in the common areas of the hotel, making any opportunity to recycle hard to miss.  

“We offer the Make a Green Choice program to our guests who can choose to receive Starwood SPG or Marriott Rewards points instead of having their guest room cleaned that day,” she adds. “This saves on the water used to wash and launder the bed linen and bathroom towels. Our housekeeping and laundry departments will utilize green certified cleaning products to reduce the hazardous chemicals introduced to our environment. Last but not least, our hotel is dedicated to being involved with the local green movement so that we can do our part in promoting a sustainable and healthy environment.”

While the property will not be zero waste, Konig stresses that Element strives to reduce the normal amounts of waste produced by a typical hotel.  

“We are partnering with our waste disposal vendor to provide us with detailed monthly reports showing our total tonnage both for waste and recycling,” she says.

With the target demographics known as “healthy actives”  - those travelers who like to stay balanced and active while on the road - Konig says the new hotel will also offer complimentary breakfast made to order from a curated menu available to all over-night guests with some vegan items offered like avocado toast, oatmeal, fresh fruit and cereal. 

"The whole mantra of our brand is about being eco-friendly, it's a lifestyle," said Konig.

Dallas-based Atlantic Hotels Group owns two of the Element hotels in the North Texas area - the Element Dallas East and the Element Love Field locations. There is also the Element DFW Airport North, which has been popular due to its prime location. A fourth Element is planned to open in 2019 in Fort Worth, south of DFW Airport.

Konig admits the Element brand lacks the recognition other brands have in the area. 

“It will be our duty to educate our guests and spread the word about our brand,” she explains.

Perhaps it won’t be hard with so much to offer. There are a variety of room types, including ADA guest rooms. All the studio rooms have a kitchenette with microwave, toasters, refrigerators, dishwasher, plates, bowls and utensils. There is also 2,000 square feet of meeting space, complimentary bicycle lending, a fitness center and an indoor pool.

“The idea is that the little details add up to make a big impact, which is why we take care to ensure we’re making conscious decisions about the environment from the ground up as we ready to open the hotel.”

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