Developer Related Midwest announced that its debut apartment tower in the Chicago market, 500 Lake Shore Drive, has earned LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for achievements in sustainable design and construction. The honor comes one year after the grand opening of the 500-unit ultra-luxury rental building, which is currently 99 percent leased and occupied, and follows in the footsteps of 340 on the Park, Related Midwest’s upscale condominium tower at 340 E. Randolph St. that in 2009 became the first residential tower in the Midwest to earn LEED Silver certification.
Located in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood, 500 Lake Shore Drive was awarded LEED Gold certification for meeting strict criteria set forth by USGBC relating to site development, materials selection, energy and water efficiency, and indoor environmental quality. In addition to receiving credits for exceptional construction waste management and use of recycled and regionally produced materials, the smoke-free building was recognized for a variety of environmentally friendly features, including everything from energy-efficient glazing and lighting to green rooftops that help absorb heat and reduce runoff.
“We’ve embraced LEED development from day one with pioneering projects like 340 on the Park, the city’s first LEED Silver certified residential tower. 500 Lake Shore Drive reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainable design and development in Chicago,” said Related Midwest President Curt Bailey. “Today, more renters than ever are looking for a home that reflects their eco-friendly lifestyle without sacrificing any of the services and amenities that have come to define luxury living in downtown Chicago, and as this certification shows, 500 Lake Shore Drive lives up to their high expectations.”
Bailey pointed to a number of green-living features that appeal to environmentally conscious renters, including a Zagster bike-share program, on-site Zipcar and preferred parking for fuel-efficient vehicles. Residents can also take advantage of the building’s extensive recycling services and PORT Destination Elevator System, which assigns riders elevator cars based upon their final destination, eliminating unnecessary stops and, ultimately, conserving energy.