⚡ 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 1480 Renaissance Dr, Park Ridge, IL (APN: 09221100050000)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for a potential distribution-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at the subject property. The analysis covers key development pillars including site characteristics, environmental constraints, grid infrastructure, regulatory hurdles, and financial incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Equipment Delivery: The site has excellent access. It is located in a modern office park with direct frontage on Renaissance Drive, a well-maintained public road. Its proximity to the I-294 Tollway facilitates straightforward logistics for the delivery of heavy equipment. The local road network appears robust and capable of handling oversized loads such as transformers, switchgear, and containerized battery systems. A detailed route survey will be required prior to delivery, but initial assessment is highly favorable.

Terrain & Buildability: The Chicago metropolitan area, including Park Ridge, is characterized by flat topography. This is a significant advantage, as it will likely minimize earthwork and civil engineering costs. We assume the site is relatively level, but this Requires Verification with a formal topographic survey. The primary buildability concern is a notable discrepancy in parcel size between data sources (35 acres vs. 2.97 acres). Assuming the 2.97-acre figure from Regrid is accurate, this is still a suitable footprint for a ≤5MW BESS project, allowing for necessary equipment spacing and setbacks.

Heavy Equipment & Easements: Access for cranes and delivery vehicles onto the parcel itself appears feasible from Renaissance Drive. However, a title search is a critical next step to identify any existing utility easements (power, water, sewer, data) or access restrictions that could encumber the property and constrain the final site layout. The current use as an office building suggests the presence of significant underground utilities.

2. Environmental Constraints

Flood & Wetlands: The FEMA flood zone and wetlands status are currently Unknown. This represents a significant environmental risk. A desktop review of FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is an immediate priority. If the site is within a Special Flood Hazard Area (e.g., Zone AE), all equipment would need to be elevated above the Base Flood Elevation, adding substantial cost. The presence of jurisdictional wetlands could create prohibitive setbacks, severely reducing the buildable area or rendering the site unusable.

Habitat & Protected