⚡ 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)

Recommendation: MAYBE

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 site benefits from a key federal incentive and excellent physical access, but faces critical unknowns regarding grid interconnection and regulatory approval that present substantial project risk. The current recommendation is MAYBE, pending the results of initial, high-priority due diligence steps outlined below.

1. Site Access & Topography

• Road Access & Equipment Delivery: Access to the site is excellent. The property is located in a modern commercial office park just off the I-294 Tollway. Renaissance Drive and S. Dee Road are wide, paved, public roads capable of handling heavy truck traffic. Delivery of large equipment, including 40-foot battery containers, medium-voltage transformers, and switchgear, appears highly feasible. A detailed logistics plan should confirm turning radii and any potential daytime delivery restrictions common in commercial zones.
• Topography: The site is in the Chicago metropolitan area, which is characterized by exceptionally flat terrain. The property is currently developed with a multi-story office building and associated paved parking, indicating it is already graded and level. Significant civil work or grading is not anticipated, which is a notable cost advantage.
• Easement Concerns: As a developed parcel within a commercial subdivision, the property is likely subject to various existing utility, access, and drainage easements. A full ALTA survey and title report review is required to identify any easements that could conflict with the proposed BESS footprint and equipment laydown areas. Direct access from a public road mitigates the need for a new, dedicated access easement.

2. Environmental Constraints

• FEMA Flood Zone: Requires Verification. The FEMA flood zone designation is currently unknown. This is a critical data gap. Any portion of the site within a 100-year floodplain (e.g., Zone AE) would introduce significant design complexity and cost, requiring all equipment to be elevated above the Base Flood Elevation, or could render the site undevelopable. A formal Flood Zone Determination is a priority.
• Wetlands: Requires Verification. The presence of jurisdictional wetlands is unknown. A desktop screening of the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) database is the immediate next step. While less likely on a previously developed commercial lot, engineered stormwater features or remnant wetlands could be present and would require setbacks and potential permitting through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: The initial screening shows no critical habitat or protected areas on or near the site. This is a positive finding that significantly de-risks the project from a wildlife permitting perspective. A standard review of the USFWS IPaC database should still be conducted to formalize this finding.
• Brownfield/Superfund Status: Data indicates a superfund site is located within two