Lendlease’s Cascade and Cirrus residential towers in Chicago have achieved ActiveScore certification, the definitive accreditation for active travel offerings in real estate worldwide. Co-developed by Magellan Development Group, the adjoining apartment and condominium towers are the first residential buildings in the U.S. to achieve the accreditation, according to Lendlease. The two towers are among approximately 250 developments globally that have earned ActiveScore certifications.
The 37-story Cascade offers 503 units and was awarded Platinum certification, while Cirrus’ 47-story, 350-condo tower earned Gold certification. Cirrus and Cascade were recognized for their bicycle parking for residents and visitors, bicycle maintenance and washing facilities, and intentional building design allowing for accessibility to the neighborhood’s major bike path. Residents can also benefit from a partnership with a local cycling shop that provides on-site spring tuneups, discounted products for those who handle DIY maintenance and repairs, and support for the organization of cycling groups among the residents.
“Achieving ActiveScore certification demonstrates our global commitment to sustainability as well as our mission to create places that have a positive impact on not only building residents, but also the broader community,” says Sara Neff, head of sustainability, U.S., at Lendlease. “Situated on one of the last remaining sites within Lakeshore East, where the Chicago River meets Lake Michigan, Cirrus and Cascade are ideal for those who use active modes of transportation in their daily lives. In addition to offering bike facilities on-site, the towers share access to a new biking and walking path that connects Lakeshore East Park in the heart of the neighborhood to the Lakefront Trail, which spans 18 miles along the adjacent shoreline.”
Developed in partnership with urban planners and experts from the bicycling and active travel industry, ActiveScore establishes criteria to evaluate how well a building can support occupants in choosing active transportation options. This is done through the inclusion of short- and long-term bicycle parking, bicycle storage, repair and maintenance facilities, and other services and amenities catering to cyclists and pedestrians. The assessment process focuses on infrastructure (70%), tenant engagement services (20%), and future-proofing (10%).
“Even before the pandemic, residents were conscious of how the built environment impacts their health and well-being, which has only grown in importance over the last few years,” says Neff. “ActiveScore certification is just one of the many distinguishing features that set Cascade and Cirrus apart in the eyes of those who want a residential experience that aligns with their active urban lifestyle.”
Additionally LEED Gold and Fitwel certified, Cirrus and Cascade feature health and wellness-oriented amenities including a lake-facing fitness center with a motion studio, strength studio, and massage rooms; locker areas with steam rooms; a 25-yard indoor lap pool with an adjacent hydrotherapy pool; and a four-season plant-filled biophilic retreat overlooking a publicly accessible green space. The buildings also include a health and wellness concierge who develops resident programming with up to 12 complimentary fitness classes per week.
“As one of the first adopters of ActiveScore in the U.S., Lendlease is setting the benchmark with Cirrus and Cascade for active travel within multifamily developments both in Chicago and nationally,” says James Nash, co-founder of ActiveScore. “Given our successful partnerships with Lendlease in the U.K. and Australia, we are not surprised the company is at the forefront of our program’s expansion in the U.S.”
