Eco18 is the first residential tower to employ a large-scale geothermal energy system in Chicago, according to Dynaprop Development Corp., the developer.

Energy-efficiency and skyline views are two of the amenities of eco18, a 93-unit environmentally responsible new-construction condominium now underway at 1818 S. Wabash Ave. in the South Loop.

“This condominium development is very special,” said developer Rick Turner, president of Dynaprop Development. “eco18 that dramatically raises the bar on green living in Chicago. It provides an opportunity for people to make an environmental difference in the housing they select.”

Eco18 will have one-bedroom, one-bedroom-plus den, two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus den residences with one or two baths and 809 to 1,583 square feet of living space. Pre-construction base prices range from $269,900 to $649,900. Garage parking is included in the price for a limited time.

Eco18’s premiere geothermal energy system will consist of piping drilled 450 feet into bedrock, which will provide energy-efficient heating and cooling year round.

“Condo residents at eco18 will pay about 40 percent less in energy costs, which is a substantial savings over a comparable building with traditionally designed mechanical, electrical and plumbing components,” Turner said. The result is low condo assessments, which average about $278 per month. The assessments included the energy costs for heating and cooling the condo unit, he said.

Eco18 will include a 60-ton capacity geothermal loop field that will be the primary heating and cooling “central plant” for the water source heat pumps in the residential condominiums and first-floor commercial space.

The geothermal energy system will use the constant temperature of the earth in the heating and cooling processes. In summer, the system will use the cool ground temperatures as an energy source for the air conditioning system.

Similarly, in winter, the system will use the warm ground temperatures as an energy source for the heating system.

The builder compared eco18’s geothermal technology to a house’s naturally cool basement during the summer. “A cool basement in the hot summer is a geothermal energy system in action,” Turner said. “It’s free and prevalent, and it’s available right below the building.” Turner said eco18’s geothermal energy system will result in a smaller carbon footprint than a conventional building would because of the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

“People who are concerned about global warming are interested in this technology,” he said. “People who are concerned about energy costs are also interested. I think these systems will become more prevalent in the future, particularly as people become increasingly concerned about global warming, depleting resources, and rising energy costs.”

The geothermal loop field is projected to cover 100 percent of the heating and cooling demand load 78 percent of the time throughout both the heating and cooling seasons, Turner said.

A conventional boiler and cooling tower will supplement the geothermal system at peak heating and cooling periods in the winter and summer.

The geothermal ground-source heat-pump system, which will greatly reduce heating and cooling costs, is one of the largest—if not the largest—one of its kind in the City of Chicago, Turner said.

“This improvement in energy efficiency lowers an eco18 condo owner’s individual electricity bill and condominium assessment, which includes the cost of natural gas and electricity necessary for the heating and cooling of each residence through a central system,” Turner said.

Green living is part of the DNA at eco18, the first large scale condominium development in Chicago to seek LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

In addition to geothermal technology, eco18 will include landmark environmental features such as a central hot water system heated with solar panels and an elaborate green roof-top garden.

Here’s a closer look at some of the environmentally responsible features planned at eco18:

• Solar heated hot water. More than 70 solar panels on the 12th floor roof of the building will generate almost one-half of the hot water at eco18.

“There are no harmful ozone emissions with solar panels, and it uses the sun, an endless energy source, to heat the water supply rather than depletable sources such as coal or natural gas,” Turner said.

• An elaborate green rooftop garden. Planned for the 4th floor at eco18, the 11,250-square-foot garden minimizes heat island effect, reduces rain water runoff and insulates the building, according to Turner.

“This green space, filled with a variety of plants, will provide owners with a private recreation patio offering great views of downtown Chicago,” he said. Dog owners will also love the private dog run which is located on the 4th-floor rooftop.

• Water and energy conservation. eco18 includes water conserving plumbing fixtures and appliances, including dual flush toilets and optional front load washers. Storm water is filtered through a recycled stone-filled drywell. Rainwater is collected and reused for green roof irrigation.

The ultra energy efficient building is insulated to minimize heat and cooling loss. The building also utilizes low energy fluorescent lighting throughout. Energy Star appliances are standard.

The ventilation system recaptures energy from ordinarily wasted exhaust air to reduce energy use in the common areas. All of the energy-saving methods lead to reduced monthly assessments at eco18, Turner said.

The combined efficiencies provide a protection against rising energy costs, he said.

• A limited number of preferred parking spaces will be available for hybrid vehicles owners. The building is also in close proximity to public transportation.

“eco18 embodies classic architecture, great views, modern amenities and great value in the South Loop,” said Charles Huzenis, president of Jameson Realty Group.

Plans call for a classically detailed 12-story building with a stone facade accented with an octagon turret and recessed balconies with wrought-iron railings.

The mix-use development will also feature 9,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor and heated indoor parking for approximately 100 cars. Ground floor retail is accessible without leaving the building.

“Through careful planning, many units at eco18 take advantage of premium views of Chicago’s Loop and the city,” Turner said.

“There are many choices for outdoor spaces. Recessed terraces on the street frontage provide wonderful private outdoor space with some views of the lake,” he said. “Large rooftop garden terraces, which adjoin the building’s green roof, are also available. Other residences feature large balconies overlooking the green rooftop.”

Many units have a separate computer niche or office alcove that’s perfect for home entrepreneurs. All residential units at eco18 feature ceiling heights of 9.5 feet.

Other features include: bamboo flooring, solid exterior and interior doors, brushed chrome door hardware and Category-5 wiring.

The eco18 sales center and model located at 1830 S. Wabash is open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call Jameson Realty Group at 312-751-0300, or visit www.eco18.com.