The Background

With the Loop as your playground and green as the theme, Eco 18 provides, well, eco living in the most urban of areas. LEED certified, these residences put you right in the thick of downtown Chicago - steps from Sears Tower, Magnificent Mile shopping, museums and Chicago’s downtown beaches on Lake Michigan.

Continue reading to learn about Chicago’s Eco 18 green condo project.

The Green

With a name like Eco 18, green is standard in ever aspect of living. Picture a design that reduces storm water runoff by 25% (less runoff means more water saved, so you can take a nice bath at the end of the day), a roof that has solar reflection, lessening the need for air conditioning in the summer and a building that is 40% to 45% more efficient than any others on its block. That’s not all. Advanced air quality measurements ensure there’s very little dust floating around. Solar panels will suck up light and turn it into heat, so you don’t have to worry about any expense from your water heater. And how about a roof that features 11,250 square feet of green, green and more green?

The Stuff

There’s no skimping on luxury here. The fourth floor has a built-in dog run, so you can take your pooch for some exercise even when Chicago’s hellacious weather won’t cooperate. Every resident gets a heated, indoor parking space, so there’s no scraping ice off the windshield. Super thick granite, marble and limestone countertops make for sturdy and stylish kitchens and baths. The bedrooms are huge and each features stunning views of the Chicago skyline. Bamboo flooring, recycled carpeting, fully wired surround sound and soaring 9-foot ceilings complete your surroundings.

The Info

Units range in size from 809 to 1,583 square feet. Floor plans are one or two bedrooms, with optional dens in a wide variety of models. Lots of units of all shapes and sizes are still available, from $269,000 to $649,000. For lots more info, head to www.eco18.com.