RMK Management is proud to announce The Residences of Wilmette, a five-story transit-oriented rental community in downtown Wilmette, Ill., has earned LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The upscale rental community, located at 617 Green Bay Road in the heart of one of Chicago’s most sought-after North Shore suburbs, features 75 apartment homes and opened in October 2017.
“The Residences of Wilmette is noteworthy on many levels – not only is it the first Class A rental community in downtown Wilmette in over 20 years, but now it also can claim LEED Gold certification,” said Anthony Rossi Sr., chairman of RMK Management Corp. “Beyond the transit-oriented location, the sophisticated design and attention to detail that goes along with building a LEED development was something we planned early on in the process. We always wanted to exceed the basic LEED requirements, many of which have been adopted as standard building code, and achieve a certification that would serve as a benchmark for future development in Chicago’s inner-ring suburbs.”
From transforming an underutilized parcel of land in proximity to multiple transit options to using locally sourced materials and diverting construction waste from landfills, The Residences of Wilmette scored points in several categories to earn the coveted LEED Gold certification. The building’s green roof with drought-resistant vegetation helps manage storm water runoff and eliminates the need for proactive irrigation; energy-efficient heating/cooling systems maximize indoor air quality; increased levels of insulation and Energy Star® appliances improve energy efficiency; low-flow commodes conserve water; high-performance windows insulate against temperature and noise; and environmentally kind flooring, paints and sealants minimize VOC emissions. A temperature-controlled underground garage with assigned parking stalls also includes an electric vehicle charging station with two hook-ups, meeting a USBGC requirement to provide alternative-fuel stations as part of LEED Gold certification.
“Earning LEED Gold is about more than construction methods, eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems,” said Rossi. “It’s about improving the well-being of our residents while minimizing the environmental footprint of this community for years to come.”
The mix of convertible, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes at The Residences of Wilmette range from 657 to 1,554 square feet with rents starting at $2,100. Kitchens boast upscale finishes including quartz waterfall-edge countertops, Leedo textured cabinetry, Grohe plumbing fixtures and stainless steel Bosch appliances. Select apartment homes also feature a built-in desk, private terrace or balcony, as well as walk-in closets featuring a customizable Elfa closet system. Additionally, the community offers two three-bedroom/two-bath penthouses on the fifth floor.
An unexpectedly robust amenity package at The Residences of Wilmette includes a steam room with Chromotherapy – or color therapy – technology as well as a sauna and hot tub. A spacious club room featuring Scavolini cabinets and plush seating provides additional space for entertaining guests and a well-equipped business center with motion-sensor lighting features a private conference room along with two work stations for work-from-home professionals. The community also boasts a 24-hour fitness center.
About RMK Management Corp.
Chicago-based RMK Management Corp. manages over 6,700 apartment homes in the Chicago, Indiana and Minneapolis areas. The company’s portfolio spans a range of apartment types, from high-rise and mid-rise buildings to two- and three-story walk-up apartments, garden apartments and affordable housing. RMK also develops, builds and renovates communities. The Illinois communities are located in Waukegan, Barrington, Palatine, Libertyville, Schaumburg, Geneva, Aurora, Naperville, Downers Grove, Oakbrook Terrace, Evanston, Lombard, Wildwood, Chicago, St. Charles, Elgin and Springfield. Communities in Minnesota are located in Minneapolis and Edina, and the Indiana communities are located in Valparaiso and Chesterton.
