900 S. Clark

Location
900 S. Clark Map

Owner
AMLI Residential

Architect
Solomon Cordwell Buenz

900 S. Clark is a 24-story, 440 unit apartment tower currently under construction just north of the Target along Roosevelt Road. This is the first high-rise apartment building (instead of condos) to seek LEED certification in Chicago. It is also AMLI's first project of any sort within the Chicago city limits, although they have many walk-up rental properties in the suburbs.

The project doesn't include any cutting-edge features, but relies on some of the more tried and true green features. The site design is notable because there is a signficant amount of open space (enough for an on-site water retention pond), which is unusual for downtown residential towers. A lot of bike parking is also necessary to accomodate 440 units - the 128 bike spaces take up a 640 square foot room. This may not sound like a lot, but most developers would think twice about giving up that much floor area. There is a free-standing parking garage adjacent to the building, which is in itself is not necessarily so green, but it will include spaces designated for i-go car sharing and is covered with significant vegetation, including a 'green wall'.

There aren't any aggressive energy features - the building features self-contained mechanical equipment more common to walk-up apartment buildings. However, it does comply with the ASHRAE 90.1-2004 energy standard, which is more stringent than the current Chicago Energy Code. Previously I discussed how many green condominium projects attempt a non-smoking policy (which is questionably enforcable). AMLI will also be adopting a non-smoking policy, but because this is a rental building, enforcement may be more feasible. We will likely see more of these in Chicago as the condo market slows and more new rental properties are built.

900 S. Clark is scheduled for completion in late 2008. Other project team members include general contractor Walsh Construction, commissioning agent and LEED consultant Sieben Energy Associates, and civil engineer and landscape architect URS.

Comments

[Richard Doherty]

Thanks goodness for the sweet bike parking deal. Since auto traffic in this area is already intense, more alternatives to the car are necessary. Cycle parking in my building (161 W Harrison) is hooks lining the walls of the car-centric parking. It's not easy or convenient, but what can one do?