Adjacent developments in Chicago recognized for exceptional facilities that promote active transportation.
Lendlease, a global integrated real estate group, along with co-developer Magellan Development Group, announced today that Cascade and Cirrus, their adjoining apartment and condominium towers in Chicago’s Lakeshore East neighborhood, are the first residential buildings in the U.S. to achieve ActiveScore certification, the definitive accreditation for active travel offerings in real estate worldwide.
Cascade, a 37-story, 503-unit apartment tower, was awarded Platinum certification, while Cirrus, a 47-story, 350-unit condominium high-rise, earned Gold certification. Together, they are among approximately 250 developments globally to have earned ActiveScore certifications – including 20 projects developed by Lendlease in Australia and the U.K.
ActiveScore was developed in partnership with urban planners and experts from the bicycling and active travel industry to establish criteria that evaluate how well a building can support occupants in choosing active transportation options. This is achieved through the inclusion of short- and long-term bicycle parking, bicycle storage, repair and maintenance facilities and other services and amenities catering to cyclists and pedestrians. The assessment process focuses on three areas, which are weighted as follows: infrastructure (70%); tenant engagement services (20%); futureproofing (10%).
“Achieving ActiveScore certification demonstrates our global commitment to sustainability as well as our mission to create places that have a positive impact on not only building residents, but also the broader community,” said Sara Neff, Head of Sustainability, US, at Lendlease. “Situated on one of the last remaining sites within Lakeshore East, where the Chicago River meets Lake Michigan, Cirrus and Cascade are ideal for those who use active modes of transportation in their daily lives. In addition to offering bike facilities on-site, the towers share access to a new biking and walking path that connects Lakeshore East Park in the heart of the neighborhood to the Lakefront Trail, which spans 18 miles along the adjacent shoreline.”
Cirrus and Cascade were recognized for their bicycle parking for residents and visitors, bicycle maintenance and washing facilities, and intentional building design allowing for easy accessibility to the neighborhood’s major bike path. Residents also benefit from a partnership with a local cycling shop that provides on-site spring tune-ups and discounted products for those who handle DIY maintenance and repairs, as well as support for the organization of cycling groups among the residents.
“Even before the pandemic, residents were conscious of how the built environment impacts their health and well-being, which has only grown in importance over the last few years,” said Neff. “ActiveScore certification is just one of the many distinguishing features that set Cascade and Cirrus apart in the eyes of those who want a residential experience that aligns with their active urban lifestyle.”
Also LEED Gold- and Fitwel-certified, Cirrus and Cascade offer residents a health and wellness-oriented experience enhanced by amenities like a lake-facing fitness center with a strength studio, motion studio, massage rooms; a 25-yard indoor lap pool with adjacent hydrotherapy pool; locker areas with steam rooms; and The Conservatory, a four-season, plant-filled biophilic oasis overlooking Cascade Park, a 0.8-acre publicly accessible green space that connects to the adjacent biking and walking path. The buildings are also served by a dedicated health and wellness concierge who develops programming for residents including up to 12 complimentary fitness classes per week.
“As one of the first adopters of ActiveScore in the U.S., Lendlease is setting the benchmark with Cirrus and Cascade for active travel within multifamily developments both in Chicago and nationally,” said James Nash, co-founder of ActiveScore. “Given our successful partnerships with Lendlease in the U.K. and Australia, we are not surprised the company is at the forefront of our program’s expansion in the U.S.”
In the U.S., Lendlease’s development business brings over 60 years of global experience to bear in urbanization, communities and infrastructure development. Leveraging its placemaking expertise and integrated business model, the firm is committed to delivering transformational urbanization projects and investments in gateway cities that generate social, environmental and economic value.
###
About Lendlease
Lendlease (www.lendlease.com) is a globally integrated real estate group with operations in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States. We create places where communities thrive. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia and listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX:LLC), Lendlease has approximately 7,800 employees globally. Our core capabilities are reflected in our operating segments of Investments, Development and Construction. The combination of these three segments provides us with a sustainable competitive advantage in delivering innovative integrated solutions for our customers.
About ActiveScore
ActiveScore is the definitive accreditation for active provision commuting in real estate with a mission to make buildings more welcoming for active commuters, enabling a cleaner, greener, healthier future for all. We assess, certify and enhance active travel facilities and services in buildings around the world. Using a scientific system developed with industry experts, our certification exists to future-proof assets and set benchmarks to active travel standards.
Source link:https://www.lendlease.com/
