Lexington Park GreenBean 11 March 2007 Erik Olsen CHICAGO, 11 March 2007 - Lexington Park is a South Loop high-rise condo development consisting of a 35-story, 297-unit tower and a seven-story, 36-unit "loft" building, connected by a podium including storefront retail space and a multilevel parking garage. It is Ireland-based developer Chieftain's first project in the U.S., so it is of particular note that they have chosen to seek a LEED Certified rating. The developer's response when presented with the idea of certification was, "You mean it's not required?" Clearly we need to catch up with our friends across the pond. Although the project includes some high-visibility features, such as bamboo floors, that buyers can see and relate to, it also addresses the basics, starting with energy efficiency. The project seeks energy savings of about 15% beyond that required by ASHRAE 90.1-2004, an energy standard that is already significantly more stringent the Chicago Energy Code. Use of high-efficiency, but off-the shelf, central mechanical systems (rather than individual systems for each unit) contributes significantly to the energy strategy. The design allows all unit owners to easily recycle by including a Trisorter recycling system. This is a special recycling chute with buttons next to the chute door at each level. The user selects the type of waste when placing trash in the chute, and a flap at the bottom of the chute diverts the waste into the appropriate bin. Systems like this, or entirely separate trash chutes for recyclables, are required to reasonably expect unit owners and building operators in a high-rise building to recycle. Unfortunately, this is the only building I know in Chicago that is using this system. Even many LEED buildings simply designate a closet on each floor for recycling collection, which is unlikely to be used when there is a trash chute which doesn't require floor-by-floor collection. I'd like to see an ordinance requiring all residential high-rises to include recycling infrastructure. Smoking will be prohibited in the building, including within units, as is required in essentially all LEED buildings. Developers that are truly committed to their LEED goals have to seriously consider the fact that they are limiting their market to those willing to follow this policy. How this type of policy can be enforced in a condominium setting is an interesting question that has not been fully addressed by developers or LEED. The project also includes a green roof and many other common green features. Other project team members include MEP engineer Cosentini, civil engineer Eriksson, and general contractor Kenny Construction. Project completion is scheduled for 2009.