Parc Huron, a luxury rental highrise in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, has earned Energy Star certification from the Environmental Protection Agency, announced RMK Management Corp. This certification is awarded to buildings able to significantly reduce electricity consumption.

Located at 469 W. Huron St., Parc Huron was also Illinois’ first rental highrise to earn LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) when it opened in 2010. The building’s energy efficiency is one of the criteria for LEED.

“We’re very pleased to earn the EPA’s certification in recognition of our high level of sustainability and energy efficiency at Parc Huron,” said Anthony Rossi, Sr., president of RMK Management. “It’s been a strong focus in our management of the building over the past five years to ensure we’re maintaining the eco-friendliness of the building. It was the greenest of its kind when it opening in 2010 and continues to be among the greenest today.”

Parc Huron’s extensive use of natural light throughout the units and the common areas, low-e windows, and LED lighting all contribute to reduced energy consumption.

Additional eco-friendly features include use of recycled and regional materials and recyclable construction materials; and an advanced degree of indoor air quality, which is attained through the use of low-VOC materials and a sophisticated air filtration system. Additionally, the development of an adjacent park, a green roof, and a walkable location in the heart of River North also contribute to the building’s green status.

However, noted Rossi, having a reduced environmental footprint does not mean a reduction in luxury finishes and amenities.

The apartment homes offer upscale features such as hardwood flooring, oversized windows, 9½-foot ceilings and high-end finishes, including granite kitchen countertops, stainless steel backsplashes, stainless steel G.E. Energy Star kitchen appliances and solar-protecting window shades. All homes also feature in-unit laundry, a built-in workstation, and a private balcony. Additionally, some plans have walk-in closets; a utility room; and a deluxe master bath with dual-bowl vanities and separate shower and tub. Penthouse level residences feature 10½-foot ceilings.

On-site amenities available to residents include a fitness center; spa with an oversized hot tub, steam room and meditation area; media lounge; cyber café with outdoor seating and an indoor/outdoor fireplace; conference rooms; a 12-seat theatre; a temperature-controlled wine storage room; 24-hour doorman; and a 14,000-square-foot park.

“I think people are often surprised that a building this green can be this luxurious, too,” said Rossi. “But it is all part of being a superiorly designed property.”

Designed by Chicago-based Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, Parc Huron includes 221 units with one to three bedrooms, plus parking. One-bedroom homes range in size from 614 to 729 square feet, while one-bedroom-plus-den floor plans range from 780 to 871 square feet. Two-bedroom apartments measure from 1,100 square feet to 1,350 square feet, and three-bedrooms range from 1,375 to 1,443 square feet. Parking for 233 cars is located on floors two through four.

To visit Parc Huron and tour the residences, take Chicago Avenue to Hudson Street and head south. Continue two blocks to West Huron Street and turn right. Parc Huron is on the south side of the street at 469 W. Huron. For more information, call (312) 854-8400 or visit www.parchuron.com.

For more information on RMK Management Corp., the Institute for Real Estate Management’s Management Company of the Year, and its portfolio of properties, visit www.rmk.com.

Chicago-based RMK Management Corp. manages nearly 9,000 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, Champaign and Springfield. Communities in Minnesota are located in Minneapolis and Edina, and the Indiana communities are located in Indianapolis, Valparaiso and Chesterton.

Parc Huron, a luxury rental highrise in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, has earned Energy Star certification from the Environmental Protection Agency.