LEED-certified Chicago Condos Part II
In the last entry I told you about one of the leading LEED-certified condominium buildings in Chicago: Eco18 (which is going for Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification by the U.S. Green Building Council). Eco18 is a prime example of how Chicago developers are making a concerted effort to provide more environmentally sustainable living options for homebuyers who also want to do their part to protect natural resources.
340 on The Park is another residential development in Chicago that incorporates elements of green design in its blueprints. In fact, 340’s claim to fame is that it is the very first condominium high-rise in the city intended to secure LEED certification. The 61-story, glass tower set out to gain Silver LEED accreditation, which is the second lowest level as outlined by the U.S. Green Building Council. But it is still a significant accomplishment, especially when you consider this development was designed back in 2002 when green building was not yet the trend.
In order to guarantee their LEED endorsement, 340 used recycled materials and "home-grown" products in its construction. Super-insulated windows conserve energy and a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient heating and cooling system helps residents save on utility bills. The building is equipped to collect rainfall that is subsequently used to water the surrounding landscaping and vegetation. The interior décor includes bamboo flooring (a sustainable resource) and the roof is reflective, which helps cool the building. Finally, 340 takes part in the I-Go Car Sharing program, which helps reduce air pollution in the city. I-Go is an eco-friendly solution to poor air quality, traffic congestion, the personal costs of car ownership, and the strain on city roads and infrastructure.
Located at 340 East Randolph Street in Chicago’s New East Side neighborhood, 340 on the Park offers occupants amazing Lake Michigan views and acres of next-door recreation area at Millennium and Grant parks. In addition to having all the open-air you could want in downtown Chicago, residents have great indoor recreation space in the condominium’s full-service fitness center with 25-yard lap pool and separate men’s and women’s locker rooms. There is also a protected, indoor-outdoor wintergarden that can be used year round. When the weather warms up, the large glass panels slide open, seamlessly connecting the garden patio with the extensive, exterior terrace.
More on Chicago green condominium construction in next week’s entries!
Posted at 05:15PM Dec 21, 2007
by Spencer Mason in General
