⚡ 1480 RENAISSANCE DR

MEMORANDUM

TO: Sunland America Corp. Development Team

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 (≤5MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the subject property. The analysis identifies significant potential due to strong financial incentives but flags critical risks related to grid interconnection and regulatory entitlement that must be addressed immediately.

1. Site Access & Topography

• Road Access & Feasibility: The site has excellent access. It is located in a modern office park fronting Renaissance Drive, a paved public road. The property is less than a mile from major thoroughfares including Interstate 294, ensuring straightforward logistics. The local road network is designed for commercial and heavy vehicle traffic.
• Terrain Characteristics: As is typical for the Chicago metropolitan area, the terrain appears to be flat to gently sloping. This is ideal for BESS construction, as it will minimize the need for extensive civil work and grading, thereby reducing site preparation costs.
• Heavy Equipment Access: Access for heavy equipment, including flatbed trucks for battery containers, a heavy-haul truck for the main power transformer, and a crane for equipment setting, appears to be unobstructed. Requires Verification: A route survey should be conducted to confirm bridge weight limits and clearances, though issues are unlikely in this commercial corridor.
• Easement Concerns: As an existing commercial parcel, there are certainly existing utility easements for power, water, sewer, and telecommunications. A title report and ALTA survey are critical next steps to identify the location and nature of these easements to ensure they do not conflict with the proposed BESS equipment layout. No access easements are anticipated as the property has direct public road frontage.

2. Environmental Constraints

• FEMA Flood Zone: The FEMA flood zone designation is currently Unknown. This is a critical data gap. If the site is located within a 100-year floodplain (e.g., Zone AE), it could necessitate costly mitigation such as elevating all equipment above the Base Flood Elevation or render the site undevelopable. Immediate review of FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) is required.