Green-living the key in new condos

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.

Several green-living developments are now under way 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 townhouse enclave at 18th and Prairie Avenues with three planned green 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 townhouse 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. 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. Likewise, reclaimed and salvaged products were reported as increasing in popularity, as were water saving products, the AIA study showed.

Indoor air quality and mold reduction continue to capture homeowner interest.

One of Chicago's premiere green developments is eco18, which plans 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 one-bedroom, one-bedroom-plus-den, two-bedroom and two-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 to 4 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m. For more information call Jameson Realty Group at (312) 751-0300, or visit www.eco18.com.

Meanwhile, there are several other green developments planned or under construction and for sale now in Chicago. Here are some of the highlights:

• Deming on the Green. This 23-unit new-construction luxury condominium development, located in the East Lincoln Park neighborhood, is employing geothermal energy. The development's eco-friendly design including Geo Thermal heating and cooling system, increased natural day lighting, certified woods and low emitting carpets and paints.

Buyers at Deming on the Green may choose from spacious one- to five-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, call Jameson Realty Group at (312) 751-0300 or visit the Jameson Web site at www.jameson.com. An open house runs from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at 426 W. Deming.

• X/O Condominiums. This new-construction "lifestyle" high-rise condominium at 18th Street and Prairie Avenue in the South Loop is an energy efficient and environmentally sustainable development. X/O is one of the first Chicago high-rise condominium buildings to pursue certification as a LEED Green Building.

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 townhouses adjoining a 10,000 square-foot park along Prairie Avenue on the two-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 X/O sales center and award-winning model is on the fifth floor at 1712 S. Prairie Ave. The center is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by appointment. For more information, call (312) 986-0008 or visit www.XOcondominiums.com.

• Lakeside Lofts. Condominium buyers seeking immediate occupancy in a green development with the bonus of a free parking and designer upgrades should tour Lakeside Lofts, a 96-unit environmentally friendly new-construction loft development at 2025-2035 S. Indiana in the South Loop.

Prices of remaining 18 units start at $266,800 for a one-bedroom unit, while one-bedroom-plus-den residences with 1½ baths begin at $305,800, and two-bedroom, two-bath layouts start at $355,800. These prices include parking.

For a limited time, buyers of one-bedroom, one-bedroom-plus-den and two-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 information, call (312) 663-1500, or visit www.lakesidelofts.com.

• The Catalyst. When completed in early 2009, this contemporary-style $100-million high-rise condominium, planned at the northeast corner of Washington and Des Plaines in Chicago's West Loop will be a modern "eco-sensitive" building.

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 one-bedroom, one-bedroom-plus-den, two-bedrooms, two-bedrooms-plus-den and three-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.

For more information on the Catalyst, visit www.chicagocatalyst.com, or call (312) 775-0000.