Today’s New Homes/Pioneer Press - June 27, 2008

Contemporary R+D659 conserves energy

Green initiatives are being incorporated into the design, construction and execution of R+D659, a contemporary 17-story glass-and-concrete high-rise under construction at the corner of Randolph and DesPlaines streets. With the implementation of these measures, Mesirow Financial Real Estate plans 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 walkable 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. Using 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 (based on 239 residents with a two-mile commute and a 20-miles-per-gallon car, each saving 47.2 gallons per year when using public transportation. Statistics found on www.APTA.com.). 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 important to the team as well. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, buildings consume 37 percent of all 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 so that daylight can reach 75 percent of the indoor space. That results in less electricity use during the day.

At R+D659 residents will enjoy a large swimming pool surrounded by a landscaped sun deck on the fourth-floor green roof.

A "green roof" that will replace traditional heat-absorbing roofing materials with plants, shrubs and small trees. 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 under way 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 its 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 more than 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 open at 626 W. Randolph S., at the northeast corner of Randolph and DesPlaines streets. Sales hours are noon to 6 p.m. weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. weekends. For more information, call (312) 474-0659 or visit www.RD659.com.