Chicago Plan Commission Approves Avalon South Clark

Chicago, Ill. (April 17, 2008) - The City of Chicago Plan Commission granted unanimous approval to proceed with the design and construction of the Avalon South Clark, an extensive LEED-Certified community located at the southwest corner of Clark & Polk Streets in Chicago for AvalonBay Communities designed by FitzGerald Associates Architects today during Thursday’s meeting at City Hall.

“These LEED Certified buildings are an excellent addition the South Loop Neighborhood and the city skyline,” said Michael De Rouin, AIA, CSI, principal at FitzGerald Associates Architects.  “We are pleased to contribute to the city’s green building efforts as we strive to become the most sustainable city in the nation.”

Comprised of two 42-story towers each containing 491 apartments, the buildings’ amenities include a swimming pool, exercise facilities, shared spaces for gathering and entertaining and parking for 938 vehicles.

The building incorporates a number of sustainable features including storm water management systems, a green roof, low-consumption plumbing fixtures and household appliances and special attention to the utilization of recycled and regionally supplied building materials.  A commitment will also be made to divert more than 75% of the entire project’s construction waste from landfills.

The form of the buildings integrate glass and concrete, creating a unique graduation effect that maximizes both city and lakefront views.  Using precast concrete in three different finishes, a graduated scheme of larger and larger windows leading to dramatic glass corners makes the most of the development’s dramatic views of the surrounding city.

According to the U.S. Green Building Council’s website, “LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building project meets the highest green building and performance measures.  A LEED plaque [demonstrates] that a building is environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to live and work.”

Established in 1919 as Rissman & Hirschfeld, Fitzgerald Associates Architects is a fourth generation Chicago architectural firm. The firm offers its clients a continuum of residential and commercial design services, including development feasibility studies; site design and planning; architectural design; space planning; interior design; historical research and restoration; contract documents and specifications; permit acquisitions; and field observations. For more information call 312.563.9100.