⚡ 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 O'Hare"

PROPERTY: 1480 RENAISSANCE DR, Park Ridge, Cook County, IL (APN: 09221100050000)

FINAL RECOMMENDATION: MAYBE

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the subject property for the development of a distribution-scale (≤5MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The site presents a high-risk, high-reward profile. The primary advantages are a confirmed 10% ITC adder from its Energy Community status and excellent physical access. However, these are counterbalanced by significant unknowns and potential fatal flaws related to grid interconnection feasibility and local zoning restrictions. Proceeding with this site requires immediate and targeted diligence to resolve these critical uncertainties.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Equipment Delivery: The site has excellent access. It is located in a commercial office park directly off W. Higgins Road, a major arterial, and less than a mile from the I-294 interchange. Access is listed as public, and the internal roads within the office park appear wide, paved, and well-maintained, capable of supporting heavy commercial traffic. Delivery of large, heavy equipment, including 40-foot battery containers, switchgear, and main power transformers via tractor-trailer, is anticipated to be straightforward with no significant logistical hurdles like low-clearance bridges or tight turning radii.

Terrain & Topography: As is typical for the Chicago metropolitan area, the site is expected to be exceptionally flat with minimal grade. This is ideal for BESS development, as it will significantly reduce civil engineering and site preparation costs. Minimal grading will be required to establish a level pad for the BESS equipment.

Access Easements: While the parcel has frontage on a public road (Renaissance Dr), the specific buildable area may be located in a less accessible portion of the existing lot, such as an underutilized section of the parking lot. An access easement across the remainder of the property, owned by Imperial Realty Co., may be required to ensure perpetual, unrestricted access for construction and long-term operations and maintenance. This must be clarified during landowner negotiations.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone: Requires Verification. The FEMA flood zone designation is currently unknown. This is a critical risk. A desktop review of FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) is an immediate next step. If any portion of the buildable area is within a 100-year floodplain (e.g., Zone A, Zone AE), it could render the site undevelopable or require cost-prohibitive mitigation, such as elevating all equipment above the Base Flood Elevation