PCC Community Wellness Center is a non-profit network of health care centers that has provided affordable health care to underserved west side communities for over 25 years. Now, with the construction of the Austin Family Health Center, essential services like pediatric care, diagnostic testing, women’s health care, HIV testing and family planning will be offered in a building that is healthier for staff, visitors and the environment. The 18,000 square-foot facility, slated to open next summer, will have 15 exam rooms, increasing PCC capacity by 150% and providing care for up to 32,000 patients each year.

Unlike other high rise projects in the area, Winthrop Club has garnered ample sales to clear its financing hurdle. Due to the current gridlock in the credit markets high- and mid-rise condominium programs in Evanston, akin to the rest of the region, have taken it on the chin of late. Through the third quarter of this year, there were a total of twelve net sales among eight new-construction condominium programs in Evanston, four of which either lost sales or recorded no new contracts thus far this year.

The Fountain View Lincoln Square is one of the latest graduates from Chicago’s Green Permit Program, which fast-tracks the approval process for sustainable developments in the city. The mixed-use project on Chicago’s North Side, featuring 18 condo units and about 8,000 square feet of retail space, is chasing LEED®-Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The future of residential architecture and design is on display at the Museum of Science and Industry through January 4, 2009. Designed by architect Michelle Kaufmann and billed as Chicago’s greenest house, Smart Home is a real home built to showcase what sustainable living can truly be.

1840 N. Leavitt is an example of the jumbo-sized home that works to counteract its large size with a variety of green measures. An existing 100 year old multi-unit residential building being converted to a single family residence. The project is seeking Chicago Green Homes and Energy Star certification.

The Heppner Residence is an example of extreme do-it-yourself green renovation. This existing 100 year-old wood frame single family home is being rebuilt by Tim and Charles Heppner, two brothers, with Tim acting as architect and performing most construction work himself. The Heppner brothers are seeking Energy Star and Chicago Green Homes certification for their new home.