⚡ 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 Ridge"

PROPERTY: 1480 RENAISSANCE DR, PARK RIDGE, COOK COUNTY, IL (APN: 09221100050000)

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

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Delivery Feasibility: The site benefits from excellent road access. It is located in a modern corporate office park just off the I-294 (Tri-State Tollway), a major regional highway. The designated "Public" road access is via Renaissance Drive, a wide, paved, multi-lane road designed to handle commercial truck traffic. This infrastructure is highly conducive to the delivery of oversized and overweight equipment, including battery containers, power conversion systems (PCS), and main power transformers.

Terrain Characteristics: The property is situated in the greater Chicago metropolitan area, a region known for its exceptionally flat topography. On-site terrain is expected to be flat to gently sloping, which is ideal for BESS development as it will significantly minimize civil engineering and grading costs. A formal topographic survey will be required to confirm precise elevations.

Heavy Equipment Access: Access for construction equipment, such as large cranes required for setting transformers and switchgear, appears to be straightforward. There are no obvious vertical clearance restrictions (e.g., low bridges) or challenging turning radii on the approach to the site.

Easement Concerns: As part of a developed office park, the parcel is almost certainly encumbered by existing utility easements (power, water, sewer, telecommunications). A title report and ALTA survey are required to identify the location and restrictions of these easements, as they will constrain the final site layout. Access easements from the public right-of-way to the parcel boundary should be confirmed but are expected to be in place.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone: The FEMA flood zone designation is currently Unknown. This is a critical data gap. Any portion of the site located within a 100-year floodplain (e.g., Zone A or AE) would introduce significant design challenges and costs associated with elevating all equipment above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), or could render the site undevelopable. This must be investigated immediately via FEMA's Map Service Center.

Wetlands: The presence of jurisdictional wetlands is Unknown. A desktop screening using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is a priority. If potential wetlands are identified, a formal wetland delineation will be necessary. The presence of wetlands would trigger setback requirements and could reduce the buildable area, impacting project feasibility.

Critical Habitat / Endangered Species