jameson in the news
October 4, 2007
Jameson Realty Group:
ECO18-CHICAGO'S 1ST CONDOMINIUM TOWER TO USE GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
CHICAGO-eco18, the first residential tower to employ a large-scale geothermal energy system in Chicago, is underway at 1818 S. Wabash Ave. in the 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. "It provides an opportunity for people to make an environmental difference in the housing they select."
The 93-unit environmentally responsible new-construction condominium development's premiere geothermal energy system will consist of piping drilled 450 feet into bedrock, which will provide energy-efficient heating and cooling year round.
"Condo residents at eco18 will pay about 40 percent less in energy costs, which is a substantial savings over a comparable building with traditionally designed mechanical, electrical and plumbing components," Turner said. "The result is low condo assessments, which average about $278 per month. The assessments included the energy costs for heating and cooling the condo unit."
Eco18 will include a 60-ton capacity geothermal loop field that will be the primary heating and cooling "central plant" for the water source heat pumps in the residential condominiums and first-floor commercial space.
The geothermal energy system will use the constant temperature of the earth in the heating and cooling processes. In summer, the system will use the cool ground temperatures as an energy source for the air conditioning system. Similarly, in winter, the system will use the warm ground temperatures as an energy source for the heating system.
The builder compared eco18's geothermal technology to a house's naturally cool basement during the summer. "A cool basement in the hot summer is a geothermal energy system in action," Turner said. "It's free and prevalent, and it's available right below the building."
Turner said eco18's geothermal energy system will result in a smaller carbon footprint than a conventional building would because of the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
"People who are concerned about global warming are interested in this technology," he said. "People who are concerned about energy costs are also interested. I think these systems will become more prevalent in the future, particularly as people become increasingly concerned about global warming, depleting resources, and rising energy costs."
The geothermal loop field is projected to cover 100 percent of the heating and cooling demand load 78 percent of the time throughout both the heating and cooling seasons, Turner said.
A conventional boiler and cooling tower will supplement the geothermal system at peak heating and cooling periods in the winter and summer.
The geothermal ground-source heat-pump system, which will greatly reduce heating and cooling costs, is the largest one of its kind in the City of Chicago, Turner said."This improvement in energy efficiency lowers an eco18 condo owner's individual electricity bill and condominium assessment, which includes the cost of natural gas and electricity necessary for the heating and cooling of each residence through a central system," Turner said.
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. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
In addition to geothermal technology, eco18 will include landmark environmental features such as a central hot water system heated with solar panels and an elaborate green roof-top garden."
Here's a closer look at some of the environmentally responsible features planned 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.
"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. Dog owners will also love the private dog run which is located on the 4th-floor rooftop.
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 of the energy-saving methods lead to reduced monthly assessments at eco18, Turner said.
The combined efficiencies provide a protection against rising energy costs, he said.
"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 93-unit 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 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.
About 20 percent of the units have been sold since the development grand opened late this summer, according to Jameson Realty Group. Pre-construction base prices range from the mid-$200,000s to the lower-$600,000 bracket. Heated garage parking is available for $18,900, an unusually low price. Occupancy is tentatively scheduled for late 2009.
"Through careful planning, many units at eco18 take advantage of premium views of Chicago's Loop and the city," Turner said.
"There are many choices for outdoor spaces. Recessed terraces on the street frontage provide wonderful private outdoor space with some views of the lake," he said. "Large rooftop garden terraces, which adjoin the building's green roof, are also available. Other residences feature large balconies overlooking the green rooftop."
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 computer niche or office alcove that's perfect for home entrepreneurs. All residential units at eco18 feature ceiling heights of 9.5 feet.
Other features 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 recently opened. Residents are also close to great blues and jazz clubs and numerous 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, Bongo Room, 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.
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, 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.
