⚡ 1480 RENAISSANCE DR

MEMORANDUM

TO: Sunland America Corp. Development Committee
FROM: Senior BESS Site Evaluation Analyst
DATE: October 26, 2023
SUBJECT: Comprehensive Site Diligence Analysis for "Project O'Hare" - 1480 Renaissance Dr, Park Ridge, IL (APN: 09221100050000)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the potential acquisition and development of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at 1480 Renaissance Dr, located in Park Ridge, Cook County, Illinois. The analysis covers key site attributes, constraints, and opportunities to inform a go/no-go decision.

1. Site Access & Topography

The subject property exhibits excellent physical access, a significant advantage for construction and operations. Located in a dense commercial corridor adjacent to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, the site has direct frontage on Renaissance Drive, a public road. It is situated less than a quarter-mile from the I-294 (Tri-State Tollway) interchange at W Higgins Rd, providing outstanding connectivity to major regional transportation routes. This level of access is ideal for the delivery of heavy and oversized equipment, including BESS containers, medium-voltage transformers, and switchgear. A preliminary review of satellite imagery shows wide, well-maintained roads capable of supporting heavy truck traffic.

Based on regional geography and site imagery, the topography is presumed to be flat, consistent with the Chicagoland area. The property is currently developed with a multi-story office building and an expansive surface parking lot. This existing hardscape and graded condition significantly reduces the need for extensive civil work, lowering potential construction costs and timelines. The parking lot area appears more than sufficient to stage construction and site the proposed BESS equipment (likely a 2-3 acre portion of the total parcel).

Actionable Insights:

• Heavy equipment access is considered a low-risk item. A formal route survey should be conducted prior to financial close to confirm bridge weight limits and turning radii from the interstate, but no major impediments are anticipated.
• No access easements appear necessary as the property has direct public road frontage. However, an ALTA survey and title review are required to identify any existing utility or cross-access easements on the parcel that could conflict with the proposed BESS footprint.
• There is a notable discrepancy in the provided data regarding parcel size (35.02 acres vs. 2.97 acres). The 2.97-acre figure from Regrid appears more consistent with visual inspection of the APN boundaries. This must be verified immediately via a title report, as it impacts the available buildable area.

2. Environmental Constraints

The environmental profile of the site presents both risks that require immediate investigation and a significant potential opportunity under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Key Findings:

• FEMA Flood Zone: Requires Verification. The flood zone designation is unknown. This is a critical data gap. Any designation within a 100-year floodplain (e.g., Zone AE) would necessitate elevating all equipment above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), adding significant cost and complexity. A location within a floodway would likely be a fatal flaw.
• Wetlands: Requires Verification. The presence of jurisdictional wetlands is unknown. While the developed nature of the site (parking lot) reduces the likelihood of significant wetlands, drainage swales or retention features could be present. A desktop screening followed by a formal wetland delineation is necessary to confirm no setbacks are required.
• Brownfield/Superfund Status: The presence of a Superfund site within two miles and the site's location in an industrial/commercial area suggest a moderate risk of on-site contamination. This is a double-edged sword: contamination could require costly remediation, but if the site qualifies as a "Brownfield Site" under CERCLA § 101(39), it would be eligible for a 10% ITC bonus. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a critical next step to assess this risk and opportunity.
• Critical Habitat & Protected