Al Gore's investment firm to settle in "green" skyscraper

Al Gore's environmentally friendly investment firm will have an office in a "green" skyscraper in midtown Manhattan.

Photo: Al Gore's investment firm to settle in "green" skyscraper

The ecologically sustainable 51-story Bank of America tower is a joint venture of the Durst Organization and Bank of America. The owners are seeking the top platinum designation from the U.S. Green Buildings Council for design features aimed at using fewer natural resources.

The building is scheduled to open next May and will house 2.1 million square feet (200,000 sq. meters) of office space.

Generation Investment Management, the firm founded in 2004 by Gore and former Goldman Sachs executive David Blood, is poised to sign a lease agreement for 5,000 square feet (465 sq. meters) on the 48th floor, the parties announced Wednesday.

The company already has offices in London and Washington.

Peter S. Knight, president of its U.S. operations, said in a statement that the building "epitomizes our company's philosophy."

"The building is on the cutting edge of sustainable technology, it is the product of decades of planning and its location and design are second to none," he said.

Bank of America is set to occupy 37 floors and the rest of the building will house a handful of other tenants, including clothing designer Elie Tahari.

Durst co-president Douglas Durst said Gore's green-minded company is "the perfect tenant."