⚡ 1480 RENAISSANCE DR

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)

Overall Recommendation: MAYBE

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the subject property for the potential development of a distribution-scale (≤5MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The site presents a high-risk, high-reward profile. The primary attraction is its qualification for significant IRA/ITC incentives. However, critical uncertainties related to grid interconnection, zoning, and environmental constraints present substantial fatal flaw risks that must be addressed before committing significant development capital.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Equipment Delivery: The site has excellent access. It is located in a commercial office park directly adjacent to major arterial roads (S. Dee Road) and Interstate 294. Access is listed as public, and existing roads appear to be well-maintained asphalt capable of supporting heavy commercial traffic. Delivery of large equipment, including battery containers, inverters, and medium-voltage transformers via standard flatbed trucks, is anticipated to be straightforward.

Topography & Site Preparation: As is typical for the Chicagoland area, the terrain is expected to be exceptionally flat. This significantly reduces grading and site preparation costs. A geotechnical study will still be required to assess soil bearing capacity for equipment foundations, but major earthwork is not anticipated. The primary buildability concern is not topography but the usable land area.

Access Concerns: A significant data discrepancy exists regarding parcel size (35.02 acres vs. 2.97 acres). Assuming the 2.97-acre figure is correct for the target parcel, it is crucial to conduct a title search and ALTA survey. This will identify any restrictive covenants, utility easements, or access easements associated with the larger office park that could encumber the development envelope and dictate internal site circulation.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone: Requires Verification. The FEMA flood zone designation is currently unknown. The property is located approximately 1.5 miles east of the Des Plaines River, which elevates the risk of being within a designated 100-year or 500-year floodplain (Zone A, AE, or X-Shaded). Any designation other than Zone X (unshaded) would likely require significant civil engineering (raising equipment pads above Base Flood Elevation) or render the site undevelopable. This is a critical, potentially fatal flaw.

Wetlands: Requires Verification. The presence of jurisdictional wetlands is unknown. A desktop screening using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is the immediate first step. Given the developed nature of the area, the risk may be low, but any identified wetlands would trigger significant state (IEPA) and federal (USACE) setback requirements, shrinking the buildable area.

Habitat & Protected Species: The risk is considered low. The provided data shows no critical habitats or protected areas on or immediately adjacent to the site. The parcel is in a highly developed urban/suburban environment, making it unlikely to be a sensitive habitat.