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July 18, 2007 CBS Channel 2 News Chicago?s commissioner of environment gave it a thumbs up. Green Building In Chicago (CBS) CHICAGO A new high-rise building is adding the color green to Chicago?s skyline. CBS 2'S Jim Williams reports Wednesday a developer showed off an environmentally friendly high-end 62-story condominium tower. The building at 340 E. Randolph offers stunning views of the lake, Grant Park and Millennium Park. The building?s owner, Related Midwest, says it is much more. It says the building is the most environmentally friendly residential high-rise in the Midwest. Chicago?s commissioner of environment gave it a thumbs up. "Related Midwest doing this project the way that they have demonstrates that the private sector can and is leading the charge and making our buildings green in the city of Chicago,? Commissioner Sadhu Johnson said. Among the building?s green features are an 11,000 gallon tank to collect rainwater, which is then used to irrigate its landscape, specially designed windows along with an aluminum frame that minimizes energy leaving the building and two outdoor areas with lots of grass and plants. ?Because of the mass of the soil and the dampness of the soil, it actually acts to reduce the heat load on the building," architect Martin Wolf said. As you can imagine, with its amenities and location, this is not an inexpensive building. One bedroom units are going for a half million dollars. Penthouses run $4 million to $5 million. Elaine Cottie and her husband had many choices among the downtown high-rises, but they were sold on this green building. ?When we found out that the building materials themselves and some finishes and things were environmentally friendly, that put us over the top," Elaine Cottey said. The building?s owner says it will use 10 percent less energy and that will save residents money.
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