Chicago Condo: Eco 18

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Units: 44
Built: 2009
Neighborhood: South Loop
Pets Allowed: N/A

Building Address:

Saving the Earth isn't just for tree-hugging environmentalists anymore... "Green" living has become a mainstream ideal that's taking the big city by storm. And new construction condos like eco18 are doing their part to limit the demand on the earth's natural resources and provide residents with a healthier lifestyle.

From the outside, you wouldn't suspect the classic stone architecture at 1818 South Wabash Avenue to house a leader in eco-friendly condo design. But, as they say, don't judge a book by its cover. In fact, when it is completed, this 12-story structure will be awarded Gold LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. That means it will hold the second highest rating for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, something only a handful of other buildings in Chicago have accomplished.

So what makes eco18 a candidate for green certification? From its inception, the condominium's designers carefully integrated elements of environmental engineering and infrastructure into the blueprint and landscape. For starters, eco18's main heating and cooling system is a specialized geothermal unit that utilizes heat energy inside rock and liquid matter found in the earth's crust. In addition, residents will get a significant portion of their hot water from a solar thermal device that uses the sun's rays to generate hot water. A green roof will also be installed to provide insulation and limit the amount of rainwater runoff escaping into the city sewer.

Inside the individual units, you'll find even more eco design amenities. The bathrooms feature dual-flush toilets and low-flow showerheads, the kitchens are equipped with water-conserving faucets, and all units have front loading washing machines that use less water than conventional washers. Altogether, the appliances should reduce the amount of city water consumed by 35 percent.

Eco18 certainly prides itself on an impressive roster of green qualities, but any homebuyer-no matter how environmentally conscious-has got to be curious about the building's residential accommodations...

The new development offers open layouts with one- and two-bedroom condos (select units also have a den), starting in the mid $200,000s. Prices for larger units go up to $500,000. Kitchens include your choice of limestone or granite countertops and stainless steel or black appliances. Bathrooms at eco18 are also somewhat flexible with interior finishes. Homeowners can pick between marble, granite or limestone vanity surfaces, but ceramic tile floors and white china sinks are standard in all units. Bedrooms feature recyclable carpeting (available in a number of shades and textures) and the kitchen/living room area keeps it "green" with bamboo flooring, produced from sustainable supplies. Each condo has its own balcony, wireless Internet, and private locker storage.

On the fourth floor, residents are welcome to use the fitness center and dog run, both located next to the green roof garden. The heated indoor parking garage is an added bonus during the cold Chicago winters, and the secured keyless entrance and intercom system are convenient and safe. eco18 residents also benefit from the building's superb energy efficiency with lower monthly utility bills, not to mention the resale value on green condos is sure to go up as the trend spreads.

The eco18 project is a forerunner in green building that will set an example for future new construction Chicago condos to follow.