Chicago Zoning Committee Gives Green Light to Green Construction Project

Sept. 8, 2008 — A longtime Edgewater resident who wants to turn his home into an environmentally-friendly, multi-use building won approval from the Chicago City Council‘s Zoning Committee on Aug. 26.

The proposal, if it wins approval by the full council, paves the way for Frank Pressel to convert his 2-story, single-family home in the 6000 block of North Hermitage Avenue into a 4-story unit, which he plans to use for both residential and commercial purposes.

Pressel and architect Jesse McGrath of McGrath Architects, P.C. unveiled drawings of the proposed structure, which they plan to make eco-friendly.

After the vote, Pressel, a fireman who dabbles in development and real estate, said being “raised by hippies” helped inspire him to incorporate “green construction” into the project.

McGrath, whose firm specializes in green residential design in Chicago, said he plans on helping Pressel achieve a “three-star” rating in the Chicago Green Homes Program, a voluntary program that certifies environmentally-friendly construction.

McGrath will help design wall systems, with heavy insulation built in, along with tight seals on all windows and doors, which will help make the building energy efficient. That should save Pressel and others who work or live in the renovated building money on utilities, while reducing pollution and ensuring healthy indoor air.

Long-term plans for Pressel’s building call for solar panels and wind turbines. If the plans win full council approval, Pressel and McGrath hope to work with George Sullivan, whom McGrath said is “bringing to the U.S. the most recent solar panels and wind turbines from Japan.”

The cylindrical turbines likely to be used are approximately 2 feet by 4 feet and designed to go on top of residential and commercial buildings, McGrath said.

Pressel’s building plans call for eight residential units, six of them with two or three bedrooms, and one small commercial space, along with 12 parking spots.

Pressel presented three letters of approval, including one from Ald. Patrick J. O’Connor (40th).

“The alderman was concerned with the approval of the neighbors,” said Pressel, who added that he sought the input of locals at O’Connor’s request.

“Sure, everyone loves green,” said Pressel. However, his eco-friendly design plans didn’t matter much to his neighbors. They were more concerned with how the new building and its residents would affect parking and traffic in the North Side neighborhood.

Pressel said only a small amount of space will be used for commercial purposes, and that neighbors seemed satisfied that there would be enough parking.

Being a local boy didn’t hurt, either. Pressel believes he “swayed them in my direction because I grew up in the neighborhood.” He has lived in his current home in Edgewater since 1999, and his grandparents bought a house about a block away in 1950. Pressel’s mother lives there now.

One of Pressel’s neighbors did question his commitment to the environment. “You’re getting rid of your yard — that’s not green!” the neighbor told him.

Pressel said in this case, “being green means more density, which is better for the city as a whole.” Having a multi-unit residence prevents suburban sprawl. Besides, Pressel said “a backyard really isn’t that green.”

Still, Pressel has more work to do. “My next challenge is to get it financed,” he said.