jameson in the news
October 25, 2007
Jameson Realty Group:
CHICAGO DEVELOPERS RISE TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR GREEN HOUSING
CHICAGO-As more and more new home and condominium buyers embrace the green-living concept, a small army of Chicago area developers are meeting the challenge by building residential projects designed to leave small carbon blueprints, real estate experts say.
Demand for green buildings is on the rise, experts say, due in part to the popular 2006 documentary-"An Inconvenient Truth"-featuring environmentalist Al Gore. The film profiled the need for energy conservation by all people in order to slow down global warming.
Several green-living developments are now underway in Chicago's South Loop, including eco18, a 91-unit condominium development at 1818 S. Wabash Ave. boasting the city's first residential geothermal energy system, and X/O Condominiums, a 496-unit high-rise and townhome enclave at 18th and Prairie Avenues with three planned greens roofs.
Most green-living developments are seeking to be certified by the United States Green Building Council as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects.
The new residential developments also offer condo and townhome buyers energy-saving features ranging from walls painted with low-emissions paint, thermal windows with low emission, water-saving faucets and toilets to Energy Star hot water tanks, increased insulation and green roofs.
Energy conservation features top the list of homeowner priorities when selecting housing design features, reports the American Institute of Architects in their AIA Home Design Trends Survey for the second quarter of 2007.
"General interest in sustainable 'green' features is in vogue, while home features and products that promote accessibility around the home continue to capture homeowner interest," said Kermit Baker, chief economist for the AIA.
Homeowner interest in managing home energy costs is apparent in the systems they are installing in their homes, the study indicated. Although wireless systems remain the most popular, energy management systems and geothermal heating/cooling systems (e.g., heat pumps) were rated as increasing in popularity by most respondents.
Topping the list of popular features was alternative home insulation techniques (e.g. structural insulation panels and spray-foam insulation).
Almost two-thirds of respondents indicated that this feature was growing in popularity, while fewer than 3 percent indicated a decline. Close behind was adding extra insulation in the attic; a simple but increasingly popular method to control home energy costs.
The interest in managing home energy costs also influences popular products that homeowners are selecting for their homes. Tankless hot water heaters topped the list, with almost three-quarters of respondents indicating that these were growing in popularity, up significantly from a year ago.
However, other "green" products not related to home energy conservation also are growing in popularity. "Green" flooring products (e.g. bamboo, cork) were reported as increasing in popularity by almost 65 percent of respondents, while fewer than 3 percent reported their popularity to be declining.
Likewise, reclaimed and salvaged products were reported as increasing in popularity, as were water saving products, the AIS study showed.
Indoor air quality and mold reduction continue to capture homeowner interest, as products oriented to these concerns had composite scores of around 40.
Meanwhile, the green living concept has become so popular, special events, festivals and expos are rising to meet the demand for more information. For example, more than 18,000 people are expected to attend the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo 2007 running November 7 through 9 at the new McCormick Place West Building.
The U.S. Green Building Council, presenters of the gala, will explore "Accelerating Green Communities" with educational sessions, exciting speakers, special events and tours. For information, visit: www.greenbuildexpo.org.
One of Chicago's premiere green developments is eco18, the first residential tower to employ the largest geothermal energy system in the city.
eco18 is planned for construction 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.
The 93-unit environmentally responsible new-construction condominium development's premiere geothermal energy system will consist of piping dug 450 feet into the ground, which will provide energy-efficient heating and cooling year round. "Condo residents here will pay about 40 percent less in energy costs, which is a substantial savings," 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 hot water systems heated with solar panels and an elaborate green roof-top garden.
Other environmentally responsible features planned at eco18 include: solar heated hot water; green rooftop garden; water and energy conservation; ultra energy efficient insulation and a limited number of preferred parking spaces will be available for hybrid vehicles.
According to Jameson Realty Group, exclusive marketing agents for eco18, 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 also is planned.
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 $247,000 to $612,000. Heated garage parking is available for $29,900. The development is 25-percent sold. Occupancy is scheduled for mid-2009.
The eco18 sales center and model located at 1830 S. Wabash is open Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call Jameson Realty Group at 312-751-0300, or visit www.eco18.com.
Meanwhile, there are plenty of other premiere green developments planned or under construction and for sale now in Chicago. Here are some of the highlights:
"This posh development at 416 W. Deming will feature luxury condominiums in a contemporary glass and brick four-story building nestled on a quiet tree-lined street between Fullerton and Diversey, just east of Clark," said Charles Huzenis, president of Jameson Realty Group, the exclusive sales and marketing agents.
Deming on the Green is being developed by Silverleaf Development Corp. The project was designed by Behnisch Architects Inc., and Urban Works Ltd.
Buyers at Deming on the Green may choose from spacious 1- to 5-bedroom floor plans, and some residences feature dens. Pre-construction prices range from $448,900 to $2.275 million. Garage parking is available.
For more information on Deming on the Green, please call Jameson Realty Group at 312-751-0300 or visit the Jameson website at www.jameson.com. An open house runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at 426 W. Deming.
The $300-million X/O-one of the largest planned developments ever proposed in the South Loop-will showcase a 46-story north tower with 271 condominiums, a 34-story south tower with 215 units set back behind a row of 10 townhomes adjoining a 10,000 square-foot park along Prairie Avenue on the 2-acre site, said Keith Giles of Kargil Development LLC, the developer.
Residences at X/O Condominiums range in price from the $300,000s to more than $2 million, according to Frankel & Giles Real Estate, the exclusive sales and marketing agent.
Architect Lucian Lagrange's design for X/O calls for three green roofs. X/O also will have a refreshing architectural design along with lifestyle amenities such as a professionally managed spa, an aqua grotto, and a green amenity building nestled in a green park.
The development, which was named Chicago's "Best New High-Rise" with more than 20 stories by New Homes Magazine earlier this year, also will include a 13,000-square-foot "lifestyle center" crowned with a sun deck, Giles said.
Spa X/O, the separate lifestyle-center building managed by American Leisure Corp., will feature a swimming pool, aqua grotto with cascading waterfalls, misting park and social sauna.
The center also will have a state-of-the-art fitness spa and sunbathing deck and provide massage therapy, classes, and personal training sessions. There will be a screening and performance theater, social lounge, game room, private café, wine bistro for social tasting and mixers.
The X/O sales center and award-winning model is on the fifth floor at 1712 S. Prairie Avenue. The center is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by appointment. For more information, please call 312-986-0008 or view the website: < a href=http://www.XOcondominiums.com>www.XOcondominiums.com.
"When we designed Lakeside Lofts we decided that we wanted to build an architecturally interesting project that would be good for the environment and also a nice place to live," developer Robert Frankel, partner in Bluestone Development with veteran developers Mark Ordower and Felix Lampievella.
"Instead of building a high-rise concrete box, we asked our architect-Patrick FitzGerald of FitzGerald & Associates Architects-to design a low-rise development that features two 5-story boutique buildings with adjoining garden spaces," Frankel said.
The two large botanic gardens on top of the parking garage contain many four-season plantings along with seasonal flowers, he said. All of the residences have quality features such as extra insulation for energy efficiency and sound control, Frankel said.
"Our insulation far exceeds that required by the City of Chicago energy code and that of many other condo buildings in the city," he said.
"The lofts also are extremely quiet." The development features a 35-by-125-foot four-season garden with trees, bushes and other greenery all year and flowers in the spring and summer.
Some of the other "green" optional upgrade features available at Lakeside Lofts include: low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint for a healthier living environment; Eo undersink-mounted water filters, and electrostatic air filter with an ultraviolet light to help prevent the growth of mold in the ducts.
"Eighty percent of the units already have been sold at Lakeside Lofts, but we still have a nice selection of premium residences," said Frankel.
Prices of remaining 18 units start at $266,800 for a 1-bedroom unit, while 1-bedroom-plus-den residences with 1.5 baths begin at $305,800, and 2-bedroom, 2-bath layouts start at $355,800. These prices include parking.
For a limited time, buyers of 1-bedroom, 1-bedroom-plus den and 2-bedroom residences will receive a free parking space valued at $35,000, according to Frankel & Giles Real Estate, the exclusive sales and marketing agent. In addition to the parking incentive all of the remaining units feature $10,000 in free interior designer upgrades.
The attractive brown brick and stone building features thermopane insulated glass windows with thermal break and screens, and state-of-the-art traction elevators. Lakeside Lofts also features a grand lobby entrance and ground-floor retail space. Indoor parking for 96 cars-48 spaces in each phase-is provided in a secured garage.
Lakeside Lofts sales center is located at 2035 S. Indiana. Michigan Ave. Sales office hours are noon to 5 p.m. daily, or by appointment. For more information, call 312-663-1500, or visit the website: www.lakesidelofts.com.
Plans for The Catalyst call for residences with high ceilings, open flowing spaces and abundant glass enhanced with an elegant use of color to make the exterior very distinct and attractive. The building will also feature a green roof on the fifth floor.
A total of 212 condominiums are planned, including 1-bedroom, 1-bedroom-plus-den, 2-bedrooms, 2-bedrooms-plus-den and 3-bedroom layouts with a selection of stunning penthouses.
Pre-construction base prices range from $220,000 to $864,000. It's being marketed exclusively by Koenig & Strey GMAC Real Estate.
All residences will have upscale European influenced appliances, cabinetry and sleek Euro-style finishes. Every unit will have a private balcony or large terrace area.
Catalyst also will feature 224 indoor parking spaces for residences and 31 spaces for retail customers as well as a 3,800-square-foot spa with state-of-the-art exercise facilities, locker rooms, steam, sauna, massage therapy and wellness facilities and meeting and party rooms. There also will be a 24-hour Walgreens.
"Lucien LaGrange, the highly acclaimed award-winning architect for Catalyst, has created a striking geometric 22-story skyscraper, which immediately captures the eye when approaching the Loop from the expressway," said developer Gary Rosenberg, president and CEO of Urban R2 Development Company, LLC.
For more information on the Catalyst, visit the website: www.chicagocatalyst.com, or call 312-775-0000.
