TO: Sunland America Corp. Development Committee
FROM: Senior BESS Site Evaluation Analyst
DATE: October 26, 2023
SUBJECT: Comprehensive Site Diligence Analysis for 1480 Renaissance Dr, Park Ridge, IL (APN: 09221100050000)
This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the property located at 1480 Renaissance Drive in Park Ridge, Cook County, Illinois. The analysis evaluates the site's suitability for a distribution-scale (≤5MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project based on key development criteria.
Road Access & Feasibility: The site has excellent access. It is located within a well-developed office park directly off Renaissance Drive, a public road. This road connects to major thoroughfares such as East Touhy Avenue and is less than a mile from the I-294 (Tri-State Tollway) interchange. This existing infrastructure is robust and designed for commercial traffic, including semi-trucks.
Terrain & Equipment Access: Based on aerial imagery and the general geography of the Chicago metropolitan area, the site is presumed to be flat with minimal grade. This is ideal for BESS construction, minimizing earthwork and site preparation costs. The existing road network within the office park appears capable of supporting the delivery of heavy equipment, including concrete trucks, cranes, battery containers (e.g., Tesla Megapacks or similar), and pad-mount transformers.
Easement Concerns: While access from the public right-of-way is direct, the parcel is part of a larger planned office development. It is highly likely that cross-access easements, utility easements, and other restrictive covenants are in place. A full title report is required to identify any easements that could conflict with BESS equipment placement or cable routing. The primary access appears unencumbered.
FEMA Flood Zone: The FEMA flood zone designation is listed as "Unknown." A preliminary desktop review using the FEMA Map Service Center suggests the property is located in Zone X, an area of minimal flood hazard. However, this Requires Verification through a formal Flood Zone Determination report as a standard part of due diligence. Development within a Special Flood Hazard Area would significantly increase costs and potentially render the site unviable.
Wetlands: The presence of wetlands is "Unknown." A review of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetlands Inventory mapper indicates the presence of several man-made ponds/stormwater features within the larger office park, but none appear to be directly on the subject parcel. A formal wetlands delineation will be necessary to confirm the absence of jurisdictional wetlands and determine any required setbacks. Given the developed nature of the site, significant wetland constraints are considered a low risk.
Habitat & Species: The data indicates no critical habitat or protected areas on or near the site, which is expected for a developed commercial parcel in a suburban environment. A standard USFWS IPaC screening is recommended for formal documentation.
Brownfield/Superfund Status: The property itself is not a listed brownfield. While there is a superfund site within two miles, it is unlikely to impact this parcel. The key consideration is