Lendlease announced that Cascade and Cirrus, their adjoining apartment and condominium towers in Chicago’s Lakeshore East neighborhood, are the first residential buildings in the U.S. to achieve ActiveScore certification, the definitive accreditation for active travel offerings in real estate worldwide.
Cascade, a 37-story, 503-unit apartment tower, was awarded Platinum certification, while Cirrus, a 47-story, 350-unit condominium high-rise, earned Gold certification. They are among approximately 250 developments globally to have earned ActiveScore certifications, including 20 projects developed by Lendlease in Australia and the U.K.
ActiveScore was developed in partnership with urban planners and experts from the bicycling and active travel industry to establish criteria that evaluate how well a building can support occupants in choosing active transportation options. This is achieved through the inclusion of short- and long-term bicycle parking, bicycle storage, repair and maintenance facilities and other services and amenities catering to cyclists and pedestrians. The assessment process focuses on three areas, which are weighted as follows: infrastructure (70%); tenant engagement services (20%); futureproofing (10%).
Cirrus and Cascade were recognized for their bicycle parking for residents and visitors, bicycle maintenance and washing facilities, and intentional building design allowing for easy accessibility to the neighborhood’s major bike path. Residents also benefit from a partnership with a local cycling shop that provides on-site spring tune-ups and discounted products for those who handle DIY maintenance and repairs, as well as support for the organization of cycling groups among the residents.
Also LEED Gold- and Fitwel-certified, Cirrus and Cascade offer residents a health and wellness-oriented experience enhanced by amenities like a lake-facing fitness center with a strength studio, motion studio and massage rooms; a 25-yard indoor lap pool with adjacent hydrotherapy pool; locker areas with steam rooms; and a four-season, plant-filled biophilic oasis overlooking Cascade Park, a 0.8-acre publicly accessible green space that connects to the adjacent biking and walking path. The buildings are also served by a dedicated health and wellness concierge who develops programming for residents including up to 12 complimentary fitness classes per week.
In the U.S., Lendlease’s development business brings over 60 years of global experience to bear in urbanization, communities and infrastructure development. Leveraging its placemaking expertise and integrated business model, the firm is committed to delivering transformational urbanization projects and investments in gateway cities that generate social, environmental and economic value.