⚡ 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 Renaissance"

PROPERTY: 1480 RENAISSANCE DR, PARK RIDGE, COOK COUNTY, IL (APN: 09221100050000)

RECOMMENDATION: MAYBE

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the property located at 1480 Renaissance Drive in Park Ridge, Illinois, for its potential as a distribution-scale (≤5MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) site. The analysis reveals a site with a significant financial incentive via its Energy Community status, but this is counterbalanced by severe, currently unmitigated risks related to grid interconnection and regulatory approval. The final recommendation is a cautious MAYBE, contingent on the successful and timely resolution of critical feasibility questions outlined in the "Recommended Next Steps" section. Proceeding without addressing these primary risks would expose the company to significant financial loss.

1. Site Access & Topography

• Road Access & Equipment Delivery: The site benefits from excellent public road access. It is located in a modern office park immediately adjacent to Interstate 294, providing a direct and high-capacity route for equipment delivery. The local road, Renaissance Drive, appears well-maintained and designed to commercial standards, likely capable of supporting heavy haul trucks carrying transformers, switchgear, and containerized battery systems.
• Terrain Characteristics: As is typical for the Chicagoland area, the site's topography is presumed to be flat to gently sloping. This is highly advantageous, as it will minimize civil engineering costs associated with grading and site preparation. A formal topographic survey is required for final design but initial buildability appears high from this perspective.
• Heavy Equipment Feasibility: Access for cranes and other heavy construction equipment appears feasible. However, circulation within the existing office park, including turning radii and potential overhead obstructions, must be verified via a site visit and constructability review.
• Easement Concerns: A significant concern is the likely presence of multiple easements and restrictive covenants associated with the master-planned office park. These could include cross-access easements, utility easements for existing services (power, water, fiber), and covenants that may restrict industrial-type uses like a BESS. A title report and ALTA survey are mandatory to identify these potential constraints on the buildable area. There is also a notable discrepancy in the listed parcel size (35.02 acres vs. 2.97 acres from Regrid). This analysis proceeds assuming the more conservative 2.97-acre size, which must be legally verified.

2. Environmental Constraints

• FEMA Flood Zone: The FEMA flood zone designation is currently Unknown. This represents a critical data gap. If the site is located within a 100-year floodplain (e.g., Zone A or AE), development costs would increase substantially due to mitigation requirements (e.g., elevating all equipment pads), and in some cases, it could render the site undevelopable. A FEMA FIRMette review is an immediate next step.
• Wetlands: The presence of jurisdictional wetlands is Unknown. A desktop screening of the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is required. Any identified wetlands would necessitate significant setbacks (typically 50-100 feet), which would reduce the buildable envelope on the relatively small 2.97-acre parcel.