CHICAGO, IL - Two innovative new Web tools, including an interactive map that allows users to plan travel to and from local destinations based on the carbon footprint they would produce, were unveiled today on www.215westapts.com , the Web site for 215 West, the 50-story apartment tower currently under construction in Chicago's Loop.
The new interactive map pinpoints destinations and points of interest within a two-mile radius of 215 West. Users can click on any icon on the map to view a pop-up box containing a description, street address and links to a Google map with walking, driving and public transit directions, as well as a link to the destination's Web site. When the destination is selected, a "carbon footprint" graph appears showing the relative environmental impact of traveling to the point based on mode of transportation.
"When completed in the Spring of next year, 215 West will be the newest and one of the few LEED certified high-rise rental residences in Chicago," said Kellie DeVilbiss, President of Jupiter Communities, the management and leasing firm for the 389-unit apartment tower. "We will have a variety of eco-friendly features, and we expect that our residents will have an interest in green living. The interactive map is an essential tool that will help them get to know the neighborhood and make their travel decisions with an understanding of the impact they will have on the environment."
In addition to the interactive map, www.215westapts.com now also features an advanced interactive furniture arranger that enables future residents to plan the layout of their new homes. Users can place furniture icons that automatically adjust to scale in each room of their apartment, experiment with a color palette, size the furniture and save and print the layouts for themselves, their interior decorator as well as for their movers. A unique measuring tool also lets users calculate the distance between any two points of the floor plan, so residents can completely plan their new homes before moving in.
"This is a great tool that will enable residents to envision how their living spaces will flow well before it's time to move in," said DeVilbiss. "For example, if you have a king sized bed, the interactive furniture arranger will automatically scale it as it would actually appear in the bedroom allowing you to determine how much space you would have between the bed and other elements in the room."
Advanced interactive components were developed by Merrick Towle Communications, www.merricktowle.com. To see the features, visit the 215 West Web site at www.215westapts.com, where the new tools are easily accessible from the home page.
Developed by Jupiter Realty Company in partnership with Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC, 215 West is anticipated to be the first LEED certified high-rise apartment building in the Chicago Loop. Located at 215 West Washington Street, the soon to be completed 50-story building will feature 389 studio/convertible, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartment homes. The tower also includes a 12-story parking garage and 14,000 square feet of retail space at street level. Opening in Spring 2010, each residence at 215 West will feature stainless steel Frigidaire® Energy Star® appliances, granite countertops, a washer and dryer, generous closet space and floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the city. Additionally, the building will be pet friendly and will offer a wide selection of amenities for residents to enjoy including a 24-hour door attendant, fitness club, steam and massage therapy rooms, cyber lounge, theater, game room, party room, and high-tech business center and library. The building also features a landscaped green roof featuring outdoor seating, grilling areas, a pool, and sundeck.
Source: 215 West