Residential

Urban Oasis

215 West, Chicago

1 MIN READ

The sleek 50-story 215 West offers condo-quality finishes while providing a healthy living environment in the heart of Chicago.

For premium indoor air, project planners speced low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, and carpeting that exceed LEED 2.2 standards. Other health-related product selections included zero-VOC interior paints, Greenguard-certified wallpaper, and, in the common areas, locally manufactured furnishings made with over 90% sustainable or reclaimed materials including FSC-certified wood, recycled metals and plastics, and soy foam cushions.

The building envelope helps to maximize views of downtown Chicago with floor-to-ceiling glass and aluminum window walls and insulated concrete structural walls. The landscaped green roof of the parking garage reduces the heat island effect and contains a 40-foot-long swimming pool, a lounge area, and an outdoor grilling center.

Low-flow plumbing fixtures, including kitchen sinks, showers, water closets, and lavatories, provide a 20% reduction in water use compared with traditional construction. Energy Star appliances were provided in all residential units to reduce energy consumption.

The site was selected for its proximity to the Windy City’s central business and entertainment districts. For convenient commuting, residents are within a half mile to seven light rail lines, multiple bus lines, and the Chicago Water Taxi.

Stainless steel appliances, cherry cabinets, cultured marble bathroom counters, and generous closets are just a few of the touches that up the complex’s luxury quotient. Other conveniences at this pet-friendly property include a dog run, an attached enclosed parking garage, on-site Zipcar access, and bicycle storage.

Other sustainable features include:
–Indigenous landscaping that does not require irrigation
–Majority of lighting fixtures use SFL or other fluorescent lamps
–Multiple lighting controls and individual thermal controls


About the Author

Jennifer Goodman

Jennifer Goodman is a former editor for BUILDER. She lives in the walkable urban neighborhood of Silver Spring, Md.

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