Chicago Agent Magazine - February 2008

Greening of R+D659 conserves energy, decreases pollution

Mesirow Financial Real Estate is dedicated to making a positive environmental impact with its latest development, R+D659. That's why they've incorporated several "green" initiatives into the design and execution of the contemporary 17-story glass and concrete high-rise under construction at the corner of Randolph and DesPlaines streets. With the implementation of these measures, they plan to effectively conserve energy, decrease pollution and make a positive contribution to the urban environment.

First of all, the project team carefully selected an extremely walk-able location to provide its residents the option to walk to work, or to nearby dining, nightlife and shopping. The use of public transportation is also convenient for residents. Utilizing city buses, the CTA Green Line, Ogilvie Transportation Center or Union Station, instead of using their cars, R+D659 residents could preserve over 11,000 gallons of gas per year*. There is also ample bicycle storage to make it easier for those who want to use their own energy to get around.

Energy conservation within the building was very important to the team as well. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, buildings consume 37 percent of the energy and 68 percent of the electricity produced in the United States annually. R+D659 is taking measures to combat both of these statistics. The building was designed in such a way that daylight can reach 75 percent of the indoor space. Therefore less electricity will be required during daytime hours to light the building.

Additionally, a "green roof" that will replace traditional heat-absorbing roofing materials with plants, shrubs and small trees is planned for R+D659. This decreases the heat load on the building, effectively reducing the energy consumption for summertime air conditioning.

An extra benefit is that the cooling action of the plants helps relieve "heat island" impact in the city. This is a negative environmental phenomenon characterized by urban air and surface temperatures that are higher than nearby rural areas.

Another "green" initiative that is already underway during the development of R+D659 is construction waste management. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that building-related waste annually accounts for approximately 40 percent of solid waste in the United States. The R+D659 construction team is diverting 50 percent of their construction waste from disposal by recycling it, a move that will help to sustain local landfills.

"We want our residents to have the best of both worlds - living in a clean, low-impact building that is cutting-edge with excellent features and convenient amenities," says Dominic Adducci, managing director at Mesirow Financial. The building offers 237 condominiums and penthouses ranging from 655 square feet to over 1,600 square feet, priced from the $200,000s to the $700,000s.

R+D659 building amenities will include a swimming pool with landscaped sun deck, a Japanese-style garden as part of the green roof, and an outdoor grill area. The building will also have a dog run, exercise room, business center, and lounge with a flat screen TV and full kitchen.

The unique open floor plans flow flawlessly from one room to another, all highlighted by carefully chosen modern finishes. Those include sleek European-style cabinetry in the kitchen and bath, granite kitchen countertops, stainless steel appliances, and wood flooring in the living spaces. All plans feature expansive 9-foot ceilings and 12-foot ceiling on the penthouse floors.

The R+D659 sales center and decorated model are now open at 626 W. Randolph Street, at the northeast corner of Randolph and DesPlaines streets. Sales hours are 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, and 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. on weekends. For more information, call (312) 474-0659 or visit RD659.com.

The developer also has a distinguished history. Since its founding as Stein & Co. in 1971, Mesirow Financial Real Estate has developed over 12,000 residential units in the greater Chicago area, one of their most notable projects being the neighborhood revitalization of University Village at Halsted and Roosevelt streets. The company has also served as the lead development team of many Chicago landmarks including McCormick Place expansions and the AT&T Corporate Center, among others. Mesirow Financial Real Estate is looking forward to adding R+D659 to their list of successful development enterprises.

*Based on 239 residents with a 2 mile commute and 20 mpg car, each saving 47.2 gallons per year when using public transportation. Statistics found on www.APTA.com