City's green oasis a big hit.

Traffic at The Helena, the award-winning, new 38-story "green" rental tower at 601 West 57th Street at 11th Avenue, has exceeded all expectations in the two weeks since the leasing office opened, reports Rose Associates, Inc., the exclusive leasing and managing agent.

An environmentally-friendly building developed by The Durst Organization, The Helena contains 600 residences, comprising studios and one- and two-bedroom homes, at prices ranging from $1,800 to $5,000 per month.

"There has been tremendous enthusiasm about The Helena, and we expect it to accelerate as we get closer to our March occupancy date," says Bob Scaglion, director of residential marketing at Rose Associates.

The Helena was awarded The Global Green Design Award by Global Green USA, for its sustainable design. Some of its green features include: public corridors with 100% fresh filtered air; occupancy sensors, which will reduce lighting costs; 100% recycled nylon carpets; low VOC paints and materials; high-tech, coated-glass windows with trickle vents and the ability to reduce ultra-violet light; and wide oak plank flooring, harvested from the Forest Stewardship Council-certified forests that promote re-growth.