Constructing an Environmentally Responsible Community in Illinois
REVA Development Partners' new community has earned Silver LEED certification.
By Keith Loria, Contributing Editor
Vernon Hills, Ill.—The Oaks of Vernon Hills, a luxury garden-style apartment community in Vernon Hills, Ill., developed by REVA Development Partners, has earned Silver LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
“The LEED certification speaks to the overall quality of the community in that it’s been designed and built to a higher standard,” Matt Nix, principal of REVA Development, told MHN. “The Oaks has been so popular among area renters for several reasons—the top two being the wide variety of floor plans ranging for one-bedroom apartments to three-bedroom townhomes and the resort-style amenities.”
Located along Route 45, just west of Milwaukee Avenue, the 32-acre development features 288 garden-style apartments in eight three-story elevator-served buildings, and 48 rental rowhomes configured in a series of pocket neighborhoods.
The apartment flats include one-bed/one-bath and two-bed/two-bath plans measuring 696 to 1,212 square feet. Each garden-style building is served by an elevator and also includes attached garages.
Community amenities allow residents to walk through the wooded dog park; visit the clubhouse with the fitness center, swimming pool, theatre and business center; spend time with neighbors at the bocce court or waterfront fire pit; or fire up the grill at any one of the five grilling stations.
The Oaks earned points toward its certification for things like Energy Star-rated appliances, energy-efficient construction materials, efficient plumbing fixtures, superior indoor air quality and recycling construction waste.
“In constructing The Oaks, we incorporated a higher level of insulation, more energy-efficient products and appliances, water-saving fixtures, and maintain a higher standard of indoor air quality,” Steve Spinell, principal of Kinzie Builders, told MHN. “Throughout the construction process, we also were selective when it came to sourcing our products and recycled as much of our construction waste as was practical.”
Both Spinell and Nix agree environmentally responsible building is important not only because of the potential impact on the environment, but also because renter’s today want green features in their apartments.
The Oaks also offers a walkable location, which is an important LEED criteria, with proximity to dining, recreation, entertainment and schools. Additionally, it is within a mile of both the Vernon Hills and Prairie View Metra stations, and offers proximity to I-294 and Milwaukee Avenue.
Kinzie Property Management oversees the leasing and management of The Oaks. Rents range from under $1,300 for apartment homes to $3,400 for row homes.
