jameson in the news

June 7, 2007

Jameson Realty Group:
ECO18 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDOMINIUMS GRAND OPEN IN THE SOUTH LOOP

CHICAGO-eco18, a 93-unit environmentally responsible new-construction condominium development, is underway at 1818 S. Wabash Ave. in Chicago's burgeoning South Loop neighborhood.

"eco18 is a very special condominium development that dramatically raises the bar on green living in Chicago," said developer Rick Turner, president of Dynaprop Development Corp.

"Green living is part of the DNA at eco18, the first large scale condominium development in Chicago to seek LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council," said Turner. "eco18 will include landmark environmental features such as a geothermal energy system, hot water heated with solar panels, and an elaborate green roof-top garden."

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

A VIP sneak preview of the eco18 sales center and model will be held June 7th at 1830 S. Wabash Ave. The sales center and model will be open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. beginning June 9th and 10th.

"Green building design is the wave of the future," noted condominium appraiser Gail Lissner, vice president of Appraisal Research Counselors Ltd. "Over the next several years, we expect to see increasing importance of green elements and LEED certification in new-construction developments such as eco18."

Turner outlined the following details of the environmentally responsible features planned at eco18:
  • A geothermal energy system. The system will consist of piping dug 450 feet into the ground, which will provide energy-efficient heating and cooling year round.

    Turner compared eco18's geothermal technology to a house's naturally cool basement during the summer.

    "Scale that basement system up and you'll have an idea of how geothermal works to reduce heating and cooling energy demand at eco18," Turner said. "It's hard at work under your feet and you won't even know it."

    The geothermal ground source heat pump system, which will reduce heating and cooling costs, is the largest one of its kind in the City of Chicago, Turner said.

  • Solar heated hot water. More than 70 solar panels on the 12th floor roof of the building will create almost one-half of the hot water at eco18.

    "There are no harmful ozone emissions with solar panels, and it uses the sun, an endless energy source, to heat the water supply rather than depletable sources such as coal or natural gas," Turner said.

  • An elaborate green rooftop garden. Planned for the fourth floor at eco18, the 12,000-square-foot garden minimizes heat island effects, reduces rain water runoff and insulates the building, according to Turner.

    "This green space, filled with a variety of plants, will provide owners with a private recreation patio offering great views of downtown Chicago," he said. A private dog run is also located on the fourth-floor rooftop.

  • Water and energy conservation. eco18 includes water conserving plumbing fixtures and appliances, including dual flush toilets and front load washers. Storm water is filtered through a recycled stone-filled drywell. Rainwater is collected and reused for green roof irrigation.

    The ultra energy efficient building is insulated to minimize heat and cooling loss. The building also utilizes low energy fluorescent lighting throughout. Energy Star appliances are standard.

    The ventilation system recaptures energy from ordinarily wasted exhaust air to reduce energy use in the common areas. All energy-saving methods lead to reduced monthly assessments at eco18, Turner said.

    He said the combined efficiencies provide a protection against rising energy costs. The building design reduces greenhouse gas emissions and it leaves a smaller carbon-footprint compared to conventionally-built condominium buildings, he said.

  • A limited number of preferred parking spaces will be available for hybrid vehicles. The building is also in close proximity to public transportation.


  • "eco18 embodies classic architecture, great views, modern amenities and great value in the South Loop," said Charles Huzenis, president of Jameson Realty Group, the exclusive sales and marketing agent for the development.

    Plans for the development call for a classically detailed 12-story building with a stone facade accented with an octagon turret and recessed balconies with wrought-iron railings. The building will feature 93 condominium units.

    The mix-use development will also feature 9,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor and heated indoor parking for approximately 100 cars. Ground floor retail is accessible without leaving the building.

    eco18 will have 1-bedroom, 1-bedroom-plus den, 2-bedroom and 2-bedroom-plus den residences with 1 or 2 baths and 809 to 1,583 square feet of living space.

    Pre-construction base prices range from the mid-$200,000s to the upper-$500,000 bracket. Heated garage parking is available for $29,900.

    "Through careful planning, many units at eco18 take advantage of premium views of Chicago's Loop and the city," Turner said.

    "Additionally, recessed terraces on the street frontage provide wonderful private outdoor space, and other residences feature balconies overlooking the green rooftop," he said. Turner also noted that more than 50 percent of all units have downtown skyline views.

    The condominiums, designed by architects Wight & Company, showcase open floor plans and large living spaces, a gourmet kitchen with eat-in bar and ample closet space. Many units have a separate office nook that's perfect for home entrepreneurs.

    All residential units at eco18 feature ceiling heights of 9.5 feet.

    Unit 1211, a 2-bedroom-plus den, 2-bath corner penthouse, features an expansive wrap-around terrace and 1,583 square feet of living area.

    Guests to the residence enter a foyer leading to a spacious 21.5-by-20.5-foot living/dining area.

    An adjoining gourmet kitchen with a countertop bar area that is ideal for entertaining has stainless-steel appliances, custom-built cabinets with 42-inch uppers in a variety of finishes and Moen faucets. Granite and limestone countertops are offered in a range of colors.

    The living/dining area opens to a large 17-by-19-foot corner terrace with great northern views of the Chicago skyline.

    The 9.5-by-10-foot den is accessible from the terrace and kitchen.

    On the south side of the residence is the spacious master bedroom suite, a 12.5-by-16-foot room with an additional private terrace (13-by-6-feet) and large walk-in-closet (6-by-11-feet). The second bedroom is 12-by-11.5 feet. Bedrooms feature recyclable carpeting in a choice of colors and textures and wire closet shelving.

    The master bath includes a white subway tile tub and shower surround. Baths have ceramic stone flooring, Moen faucets, wood cabinets that match kitchen selections and a choice of granite, limestone or marble vanity top.

    A laundry room, designed for a side-by-side washer/dryer, is off the foyer.

    Other features of the residence include: bamboo flooring, solid exterior and interior doors, brushed chrome door hardware, Category-5 wiring, pre-wired for speakers in the living room and track lighting.

    Residents at eco18 will reside near Lake Michigan, Grant Park and the Central Business District. Attractions in close proximity to the development include the Museum Campus, Soldier Field, McCormick Place convention center, Navy Pier, Chinatown, the main public library and several larger vintage hotels.

    "All of these attractions, in addition to restaurants and grocery stores, are within walking distance of the new development," Turner said. A two-level Jewel/Osco store is open at Wabash Avenue and Roosevelt Road plus Dominicks, and a Whole Foods which is underway.

    Residents are also close to great blues and jazz clubs and upscale restaurants. The list of trendy restaurants includes:
    • South Coast, 1700 S. Michigan Ave.
    • Room 21, 2110 S. Wabash, Opera
    • 1301 S. Wabash, Zapatista
    • 1307 S. Wabash
    • and Quatro, 2030 S. Wabash.
    These restaurants join such established eateries as Chicago Firehouse, 1401 S. Michigan, Gioco, 1312 S. Wabash, Hackney's Printers' Row, 733 S. Dearborn, Room 12, 30 E. Roosevelt, as well as Grace O'Malleys on South Michigan Avenue. Other South Loop night spots include:
    • Buddy Guys Legends
    • 754 S. Wabash
    • HotHouse
    • 31 E. Balbo
    • Kasey's Tavern
    • 701 S. Dearborn
    • and Tantrum, 1023 S. State.
    eco18 is also minutes away from transportation. Major Chicago highways in close proximity include
    • the Dan Ryan
    • Kennedy
    • Stevenson
    • Eisenhower and Lake Shore Drive.

    The new development also provides easy access to CTA train and bus lines and Metra.

    For more than two decades Dynaprop Development Corp. has provided value and satisfaction to buyers of homes in the communities of Chicago.

    "We began as a restorer of vintage properties preserving the integrity of existing historical and classical Chicago architecture, while providing ingenuity in the planning of new interior development," Turner said.

    Dynaprop combines classic design, thoughtful unit planning and first-rate building materials in each of its developments, earning a reputation as a premier residential developer.

    Dynaprop's prior projects include:
    • Pointe 1900 on State - which is nearing sell-out stage
    • 1910 S. Michigan Condominium
    • 1918 S. Michigan Lofts
    • Library Lofts at 900 N. Paulina
    • Racine Court at 4630-4640 N. Racine
    • The Copperstone at 4655-4657 N. Hermitage
    • and Evergreen Condominium at 1340-1346 N. North Park.

    Also: Clifton Row Condominium at 3124-3134 N. Clifton, 1414-1416 W. Hollywood Condominium, Wayne Grace Condominium at 3762-3766 N. Wayne, and 1120 W. Armitage Condominium.

    The eco18 sales center and model located at 1830 S. Wabash is open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. For more information call Jameson Realty Group at 312-751-0300, or visit www.eco18.com.

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