Chicago Lakeside Development Recognized as a Top Sustainable Solution at Rio+20

By Gabriel Circiog, Associate Editor

The United Nations launched its newest worldwide initiative “Sustainia100” at the Rio+20 conference in Rio de Janeiro. The initiative, which focuses on sustainability solutions and sustainable cities, was celebrated by nominating 100 world leading projects and undertakings.

In the presence of international sustainability icon Gro Harlem Brundtland, media personality and philanthropist Ted Turner and EU Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard, the Chicago Lakeside development was named among the winners of the global award.

Located on 600 acres on the southeast side of Chicago, the Chicago Lakeside project is led by Chicago development firm McCaffery Interests Inc. The development aims to be the catalyst for the rebuilding of the southeast lakefront of Chicago. The former site of the U.S. Steel Southworks, due to its size and proximity to downtown (around 10 miles), is one of the most coveted pieces of undeveloped real estate in the city of Chicago.

McCaffery Interests, in partnership with U.S. Steel and in cooperation with Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP and Sasaki Associates Inc., has come up with a master plan that integrates solutions for advanced clean energy technologies, compact neighborhoods and innovations in water stewardship, distributed through an intelligent ICT network.

According to plans, the new community will include more than 15,000 residential units and over 15 million square feet of retail, restaurants, commercial, institutional and research and development facilities.

Upon hearing news of the recognition from Sustainia, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said: “Creating a sustainable, multi-use community on the southeast lakefront of Chicago will provide huge economic impact in the area, creating important jobs and opportunity on the South Side. I commend all involved in the Lakeside project for their long-term commitment to this effort and the growth of Chicago.”

Photo Courtesy of: www.chicagolakesidedevelopment.com

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