⚡ 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 60068)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the property located at 1480 Renaissance Dr, Park Ridge, in Cook County, Illinois (APN: 09-22-110-005-0000). The analysis evaluates the site's suitability for a distribution-scale (≤5MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) based on key development criteria.

1. Site Access & Topography

The subject property is located within a well-developed commercial office park, immediately adjacent to Interstate 294 and in close proximity to O'Hare International Airport.

• Road Access & Equipment Delivery: Access is excellent. The site is served by Renaissance Drive, a wide, paved, public road designed to accommodate commercial traffic. This road connects directly to major arterial roads (e.g., S. Dee Road, W. Higgins Road), providing clear and unobstructed access from the interstate system. This infrastructure is well-suited for the delivery of heavy and oversized equipment, including BESS containers, medium-voltage transformers, and construction cranes.
• Terrain Characteristics: As is typical for the Chicago metropolitan area, the topography of the site and surrounding area is exceptionally flat. This is a significant advantage, as it will minimize the need for extensive civil work and grading, thereby reducing site preparation costs and timelines.
• Heavy Equipment Feasibility: The existing road network and flat terrain present no apparent barriers to the ingress and egress of heavy equipment. The primary constraint will be the on-site circulation and laydown area, which must be confirmed via a site layout and civil engineering review.
• Easement Concerns: Given its location in a planned office park, the parcel is almost certainly encumbered by existing utility, access, and drainage easements. Requires Verification: A title report and ALTA survey are mandatory to identify the location and nature of all easements to ensure they do not conflict with the proposed BESS equipment footprint. The parcel size discrepancy between data sources (35.02 acres vs. 2.97 acres) must be resolved immediately via these documents. We will proceed assuming the 2.97-acre parcel is the target.

2. Environmental Constraints

Preliminary analysis indicates the site has a favorable environmental profile, though formal studies are required for confirmation.

• FEMA Flood Zone: A preliminary review using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center indicates the property is located in Zone X, an area of minimal flood hazard. This is the ideal designation for critical infrastructure like a BESS, as it obviates the need for costly flood mitigation measures. Requires Verification: Confirm designation in a formal Phase I ESA.
• Wetlands: A desktop review of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) mapper shows no mapped wetlands on or immediately adjacent to the 2.97-acre parcel. The developed nature of the site as an office building further reduces this risk. A formal wetlands delineation will likely be required by the AHJ but is expected to confirm their absence.
• Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: The provided data and the site's urban, previously disturbed context suggest a very low risk of encountering critical habitats or endangered species.
• Brownfield/Superfund Status: The data notes a superfund site within two miles, but not on the subject parcel. The current use as an office building makes it unlikely that the site itself qualifies as a brownfield. However, this presents an opportunity. Actionable Insight: A Phase I ESA should specifically investigate the historical use of the land prior to the office park's construction. If prior industrial use can be documented and the site meets EPA criteria, it could qualify for the 10% IRA Brownfield tax credit adder, which would be a significant financial benefit.
• Pipeline Proximity: No major gas transmission pipelines are identified within a three-mile radius, mitigating risks associated with pipeline-related setbacks and safety protocols.

3. Grid Infrastructure & Interconnection

Grid access is the most critical unknown for this site. The viability of the project is entirely dependent on securing a cost-effective interconnection to the Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) distribution system.

• Nearest Substation: Data Gap. The provided data lacks substation information. However, satellite imagery analysis identifies the ComEd "Dee Road Substation" approximately 0.8 miles southeast of the site. This is a promising distance for a distribution-scale project.