With the balance of the demolition and recycling activities completed this past summer, focus turned to soil remediation activities. The site located at the corner of Lake and Lathrop has been troubled with environmental concerns for decades. Soil contamination was first discovered as a result of a history of dry-cleaning facilities located on the premises dating back to the 1920s. Concerns for the safety of the community and the school across the street made site remediation a top priority for the Village. As part of the environmental cleanup process, the developer’s environmental consultant, Pioneer Engineering and Environmental Services, conducted extensive site testing to determine the exact level of detail required for the extensive environmental cleanup.
Following the extensive testing and approval process, Pioneer mobilized the last week of July to begin soil remediation. This process involves the application of an industry standard treatment solution at injection points throughout the site. After a curing period, soil and soil gas samples are collected from the treatment area for analysis of Perchloroethylene (PCE) levels. The confirmation sampling results received afterwards identified significant reductions in contaminant concentrations throughout the treatment zone. While the remediation objective was achieved for approximately 95% of the project site, PCE levels remained above the soil saturation limit in one of the confirmation soil borings. “The remediation process involves several rounds of testing, approvals, treatment and coordination with the IEPA.” said Greg Bednarz, the Development Project Manager with Sedgwick Properties. “We’re very happy with the results of the first round of treatment, which indicate that the site will be fully compliant following the next round.” Given the reductions achieved to date, Pioneer recommended resampling this area to determine if any of the residual oxidizing agent has yielded further reductions during the time since the initial treatment. To expedite the process, Pioneer requested IEPA approval for the additional sampling within the contingency for the existing budget. Budget approval for the sampling was received this month, and the supplemental soil borings were performed shortly after. If results show PCE levels are within the soil saturation limit, remediation is complete. If levels are still above the saturation limit, budget approval for additional treatment and confirmation sampling will be required. This would be an estimated ten to twelve (10-12) week process.
Once the project is completed, the new condominium residences at RF-Lake Street will offer spacious floor plan designs, high quality interior finishes and access to a vibrant River Forest lifestyle. With a combination of two, three and four-bedroom homes, the Lake and Lathrop development appeals to both local residents looking to downsize as well as newcomers interested in joining the River Forest community.
Due to health concerns, showroom activity transitioned to appointment only, but recently showroom hours have been reestablished for 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturday/Sunday and by appointment during the week. Despite Covid, the current buyers’ and potential buyers’ interest and excitement regarding the project have remained strong. In addition, the suburban home sales market has gained momentum over the past 30-90 days. This has provided a new influx of single-family homeowners who are anxious to downsize to a maintenance-free community like the Lake-Lathrop Development.
Each condominium will deliver two car parking, private elevator access, a chef-quality kitchen and ten-foot ceilings. The homes will have unmatched access to the outdoors, providing residents with private outdoor space that rivals that of a single-family home, without any of the maintenance. A large, covered terrace runs the length of the combined living and dining room. Second floor homeowners will enjoy an additional 1,000 square feet of south-facing terrace and penthouse homeowners will benefit from larger indoor living spaces and access to private rooftop terraces. With features such as private elevator access and private outdoor space, the development at Lake and Lathrop will offer peace of mind to living in the post Covid-19 climate.
Corwin Partners at Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty is leading the sales and marketing efforts. Pre-construction pricing is available from $699,900 to $1,474,900. Call 312-335-5354 or visit www.RF-LakeStreet.com to schedule your visit.
