The Building

 

A Transformative Project

When Baum Development acquired the building in 2006, following the closing of the Cooper Lamp Factory, it was vacant and dilapidated, requiring a complete renovation. As an expert in the adaptive reuse and preservation of historic properties, Baum embarked on the project with a triple bottom line approach that would not only provide a financial return, but also give back to the community and promote environmental sustainability. Thus began the dilapidated building’s transformation into a world-class, LEED Platinum green business community.

By working with the Commission on Chicago Landmarks and the National Park Service, we were able to obtain landmark protection for this historic building and have maintained 96% of the original structure throughout renovations. We have successfully transformed the existing building into a Class A, eco-friendly property that is an epicenter for green businesses and organizations in the Midwest.

The Elements of a Greener, Better Building

The four-story, 272,000 square foot building was converted in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), and has received the highest level of certification (LEED Platinum) from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The following features are integral to Green Exchange’s position as a leader in environmentally conscious redevelopment & green building best practices.

  • State of the art green roof, featuring an herb garden and urban apiary housing numerous beehives

  • 8,000 square foot organic sky garden, open to tenants, visitors, and ideal for all types of events

  • High efficiency heating & cooling system that reduces building energy use by 22%

  • Lower occupancy costs achieved through the efficiencies of a LEED building

  • Energy efficient windows & doors throughout the building

  • Environmentally friendly, healthy building materials, including low toxin (VOC) paint & stains

  • Effective use of natural daylight in the loft-style commercial spaces, providing maximum exposure to natural light & minimizing the need for electrical lighting during the day

  • State of the art air filtration providing superior indoor air quality that is monitored & controlled on all five floors by high efficiency filters & air quality sensors

  • On site restaurant/bar/catering/cafe that takes a hyperlocal approach to the farm-to-table movement by using honey from the on-site beehives, and produce from the adjacent urban farm