⚡ 1480 RENAISSANCE DR

MEMORANDUM

TO: Sunland America Corp. Investment Committee
FROM: Senior BESS Site Evaluation Analyst
DATE: October 26, 2023
SUBJECT: Comprehensive Site Diligence Analysis for "Project Renaissance"
Property: 1480 RENAISSANCE DR, Park Ridge, Cook County, IL (APN: 09221100050000)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the potential development of a distribution-scale (≤5MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the subject property. The analysis identifies significant opportunities, primarily related to financial incentives, but also flags critical risks concerning grid interconnection and regulatory approval that must be addressed before committing significant capital.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Equipment Delivery: The site benefits from direct access via Renaissance Drive, a publicly maintained road within a developed commercial office park. Initial desktop review suggests these roads are paved and well-maintained, likely capable of handling standard construction traffic. However, the delivery of oversized and overweight equipment, specifically the Main Power Transformer (MPT) and prefabricated battery enclosures, requires a formal route survey. The survey must confirm bridge weight limits, turning radii, and overhead line clearances from the nearest interstate or major highway. Given the site's location in a developed suburban area near Chicago O'Hare International Airport, access is anticipated to be feasible but requires verification.

Terrain & Buildability: The property is in Park Ridge, an area of Cook County characterized by minimal topographic relief. The site is presumed to be flat and previously graded as part of the office park development. This is a significant advantage, as it will minimize civil engineering and site preparation costs. There is a major discrepancy in the provided data regarding parcel size (35.02 acres vs. 2.97 acres from Regrid). This must be clarified immediately, as it fundamentally impacts the project's scale and viability. For this analysis, we assume the smaller ~3-acre parcel is correct, which is sufficient for a 5MW BESS project.

Easement Concerns: As an infill site within a commercial development, the parcel is likely encumbered by multiple existing utility easements (e.g., water, sewer, gas, telecommunications). These could materially constrain the final buildable envelope for the BESS. A title report and a comprehensive ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey are mandatory early-stage diligence items to identify these constraints.

2. Environmental Constraints

Flood & Wetlands: The FEMA flood zone and wetlands status are currently Unknown. This represents a critical information gap. Any designation within a 100-year floodplain (Zone A) would trigger significant design challenges, likely requiring the entire BESS facility to be built on an elevated platform, substantially increasing costs. The presence of jurisdictional wetlands would introduce setback requirements (typically 50-100 feet) and could require permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, adding complexity and time. A desktop environmental screening is the immediate next step.

Habitat & Protected Species: The data indicates no critical habitats or protected areas on or near the site. This is a significant de-risking factor, as it