July 2, 2009

For Immediate Release

Is Bridgeport, the Chicago south side neighborhood best known for politics and the White Sox, ready to go green?

Developer Bozena (Bo) Boguslawski believes the answer is yes, so she has begun sales at 3308 South Lowe Ave., where she has converted a four-unit apartment building into three condominiums, ranging from $289,000 to $539,000 and from 1,300 to 2,600 square feet.

"Many people are discovering Bridgeport, a great Chicago neighborhood close to downtown, but with much less traffic congestion than you will find in places like Wicker Park and Lincoln Park," Boguslawski said.

"But I also expect a lot of interest from the neighborhood; many folks around here have backgrounds in the building trades, so they will understand and appreciate how the building's energy conservation design will save money over time."

One leading energy conservation consultant describes the rehab as, "a gem. Bo has acheived an impressive integration of green features," said John Porterfield, a principal with eZing, an Oak Park firm that provides energy efficiency guidance for building owners.

"She has covered all the high points for green design, including using recycled materials." Porterfield's firm tested the building for energy efficiency and confirmed, "The practical combination of energy features reduces energy use substantially."

Recycling is the first phase of Boguslawski's approach to energy conservation. Almost all the doors and woodwork throughout the building are recycled Brazilian mahogany. The stairs, three inches thick, are made from red and white oak salvaged from a site in Evanston. The floors are made of recycled bamboo.

Unlike many multi-family buildings, the three apartments at 3308 S. Lowe all have their own personalities, offering divergent floor plans, floor treatments and other decorating features; even the cabinet knobs vary in design. As Porterfield put it, "The apartments are distinctive and individualized, with different materials, finishes and even variety in small touches like the bathroom towel holders."

Porterfield's firm tested the building for energy efficiency and found, "The practical combination of energy features she selected reduces energy use substantially below the already low use typical of multi-unit buildings."

The garden level apartment, priced at $289,000, includes two bedrooms and two baths. It was created by sinking the basement two feet during construction to avoid the claustrophobic feeling often found in lower level units. Of the three apartments, this one has the most traditional decor. "Whoever buys this will probably find that much of their existing furniture will fit in just fine," Boguslawski said. :"The unit is meant to be flexible."

On the main floor is the partially furnished model. Priced at $347,000, it includes two bedrooms, two baths and a large kitchen that Boguslawski, a native of Poland, describes as "very European," including cabinets imported from Germany.

The 2,600-square-foot penthouse, priced at $539,000, includes two bedrooms, two baths, and a large loft that could easily be converted into a third bedroom, with room left over for a home office. The apartment's back wall is made of river stone, giving the space a cool, subtle elegance.

Boguslawski has renovated several other apartment buildings in Bridgeport, but this is her first for-sale project. She credits 11th Ward Ald. James Balcer, saying, "The alderman is always looking for ways to improve the neighborhood, and his strong support was a guiding force in this project." On Saturday April 25, 2009, the alderman and his wife were present for the vital final green testing and inspection of the building.

Bobby Link of 360 Design, based in Bridgeport, is the project architect, while Wesley Construction of Chicago is the general contractor.

The building is three blocks west of Halsted. From the Dan Ryan Expressway (Int. 90-94), take Exit 54 (31st Street) right (west) approximately one half mile to Lowe. Turn left (south) two blocks to 3308 South Lowe.

The sales office is open by appointment. For more information, call Bob Atkins of Koenig & Strey GMAC Real Estate at 312-758-7070.

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 Sidebar: Energy conservation techniques used at 3308 South Lowe

The renovated condo building at 3308 South Lowe Ave. includes a wide variety of energy saving techniques and materials. They include:

• Spray foam insulation installed after tuck pointing was re-done, creating a quieter building with reduced heating and air conditioning costs;
• Solar exterior lighting;
• Gas furnaces with at least 90 percent efficiency, along with eco-friendly air cleaner filters and programmable thermostats;
• Recycled steel used for exterior balconies and railing treatments;
• Energy-efficient aluminum-clad wood windows; extensive use of windows on front (east side) of building allows for efficient airflow;
• Bathrooms include recycled glass shower doors and counters, along with dual flush low-flow toilets and electric water heaters;
• All kitchen appliances meet Energy Star specifications; Synthetic granite counters can be recycled;
• Furnaces are 95+ Energy Star rated;
• Eco-Spec paint;
• Original material from the existing building was saved and re-used.