Planning & Development: The Green Edge

                                GUIDELINES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The Edgewater Environmental Coalition (EEC, formerly EESP )was requested to set up guidelines for sustainable development as more developers became active in Edgewater.  Following a unanimous vote of approval by EESP members, these guidelines were provided to the Alderman on August 15, 2017. 

Introduction:  As more new construction is considered for Edgewater, it is important that our community promote qualities that will bring leading edge green development but also maintain a neighborhood that encourages individuals, families and businesses to remain and prosper. Therefore the Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Project wishes to offer our support as an advisory arm to the Alderman with respect to development activity within the community.  We would continue:

Edgewater’s Green Edge
Edgewater currently contains a number of sustainable developments (Listed below).  Additional examples of the community’s interest in sustainability include residents actively incorporating energy efficiency upgrades, addition of renewable energy systems, new parks & gardens, & strong  commitment to our tree canopy. We know many forward thinking people seek out that which supports their growing sustainable commitment to the planet. To capitalize on Edgewater’s green edge, its location to water, and its prime location within the City, we envision Edgewater as a local and global leader in promoting sustainable housing, development, and resource management (our land, air, and quality of life). 

Looking at guidelines set forth by neighboring organizations such as North Center Neighborhood Association (http://northcenterneighborhood.org/zoning) and national organizations such as the Charter for New Urbanism (https://www.cnu.org/who-we-are/charter-new-urbanism), EESP advocates for responsible use and a green energy mandate for all new developments.
  1. Responsible use: Respect for Edgewater’s land & community that builds for the future & respects the past
  2. Build for the future Buildings account for 1/3 of all climate change.  We envision energy neutral buildings but at a minimum we advocate at least five [5] of the following criteria be met for all new developments:
  • Sustainable building materials, principles, and energy management
  • Energy efficient mechanical systems that are track able
  • Tight building envelope with energy efficient insulation
  • Solar energy: Thermal or PV panels
  • Geothermal
  • Cool roof or green roof
  • Green facade (A green facade is created by growing climbing plants up and across the facade of building, either from plants grown in garden beds at its base, or by container plantings installed at different levels across the building.)
  • Rainwater management, which may include permeable pavement
  • Urban garden/landscaping or vertical garden
  • Parking that includes car share and battery charging stations
  • Design and preservation of natural light in buildings
    3. Respect the past
  • Edgewater has a unique history of buildings that have created a distinctive built heritage and character – something to celebrate rather than eliminate. New building should be integrated seamlessly within this existing architecture and respect the land, green space & tree canopy.
  • We advocate for good urban design, landscape design, and street frontage that creates an enjoyable, vibrant, and interactive street-scape and/or public spaces that encourage community engagement.
  • We recommend support of buildings and stores that meet neighborhood needs. TODs increase density. Therefore, the facade of a TOD is of utmost importance, since because of its density, should result in an enlivened street life, especially on main thoroughfares.
  • We need only look to Andersonville’s Clark street for a unique and vibrant range of businesses that have vibrantly preserved and capitalized on its unified neighborhood architectural character.
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List of Edgewater Sustainable Buildings and Developments since 2010
  • 6300 Winthrop Avenue Redesigned as a Woonerf:  Loyola 2016-17  
  • Heartland Medical Building 2015 1301 W. Devon, Dedicated 2014 as a LEED Platinum Level Development
  • Loyola University: Kenmore/Winthrop Development Finished 2014. Public can view & tour open areas of building; 90 Geothermal wells; Student Center - Greenhouse Building; LEED certified with solar and green roof features; water conservation elements.
  • 2013-14 North Lakeshore Beach Path Extension of the bike and pedestrian lakefront trail from Ardmore to Thorndale-design concept proposed. 
  • EESP Planning & Development Chairs Consultation EESP continues to be consulted & give input to our elected officials and businesses on sustainability for community projects. 
  • Pomeroy Senior Housing, 5650 N. Kenmore, Retrofitted by the CHA to meet a minimum of LEED “silver” 
  • Edgewater Library - Broadway & Elmdale Geothermal, green roof and recycled elements inside. LEED Silver 
  • Yannell Home, 4895 North Ravenswood, a USGBC LEED for Homes pilot, is touted as Chicago’s first zero net energy home. The Yannell home uses evacuated tube construction in its solar thermal array.
  • Devon Avenue Greenscape (Permeable paving, planters, trees) Installed on Devon  from Clark to Ravenswood 
  • Senn High School – Eighteen Solar PV panels installed and providing electric power
  • Uncommon Ground – Five AET-40 Solar Thermal panels; Solar Powered Car Charging Station added 2013-14; Green Roof Garden and bee hives
  • Firehouse on 6200 Clark – Ten kW Solar Thermal panels
  • 5400 N. Ravenswood - Solar PV Array at a Videography studio

 Examples of Sustainable Development in Edgewater

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Top: Edgewater Library; Silver LEED Permeable Pavement GeoThermal; Green Roof; Fully Recycled Materials Used Bottom: Senn High School; Solar PV Array
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Top:Heartland Health on Devon; Platinum LEED Bottom: Loyola Sustainability Center 90 Geothermal Wells