⚡ 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)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the potential development of a distribution-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the subject property. The analysis identifies key opportunities, constraints, risks, and recommended next steps to determine project viability.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Equipment Delivery: The site exhibits excellent logistical characteristics. Located in a modern commercial office park in Park Ridge, a developed Chicago suburb, it has direct access from Renaissance Drive, a well-maintained public road. This road connects to major arterial routes and is situated immediately adjacent to Interstate 294 (Tri-State Tollway), providing an ideal corridor for heavy freight.

Equipment Feasibility: Delivery of large, heavy equipment such as multi-ton transformers, power conversion systems (PCS), and containerized battery enclosures is anticipated to be straightforward. The existing road network is designed for commercial truck traffic, and there are no apparent low-clearance bridges, tight turning radii, or weight-restricted roads that would impede access. The site itself appears to be a large, paved parking lot associated with an office building, offering ample staging area for construction.

Topography & Site Prep: As is typical for the Chicagoland area, the terrain is presumed to be exceptionally flat. This is a significant advantage, as it will minimize the need for extensive civil work and grading, thereby reducing construction costs and timelines. The existing paved surface could potentially be utilized or will be straightforward to remove for foundation work.

Easement Concerns: Requires Verification. As an established commercial parcel, it is highly probable that multiple utility and access easements already encumber the property. A full ALTA survey and title report are required to identify the location and nature of any easements for power, water, sewer, and telecommunications, which could constrain the final BESS layout.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone: The FEMA flood zone designation is currently Unknown. This is a critical data gap. A review of FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) is an immediate next step. If the site is located within a 100-year floodplain (e.g., Zone A or AE), development costs will increase due to the need for elevated foundations, or the site may be rendered undevelopable.

Wetlands: The presence of jurisdictional wetlands is Unknown. A desktop screening using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is necessary. Given the developed nature of the site (office park), the risk is likely low, but any identified wetlands would trigger significant setback requirements (typically 50-100 feet) and reduce the buildable acreage.