SOL POWER Partners with Third City Properties to Lead Clean Energy Transformation in Chicago’s Austin Community with Geothermal and Solar PV in Mixed-Use Affordable Housing Redevelopment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOL POWER’s EquiESCO Clean Jobs Program partners with Third City Properties to transform Chicago’s Austin Community with geothermal and solar PV in affordable housing.

Rockford, IL — November 21, 2024 — SOL POWER MIDWEST LLC and Third City Properties LLC have partnered to undertake an ambitious redevelopment project to transform a long-vacant, 18,750-square-foot building into an all-electric, mixed-use property with state-of-the-art renewable energy systems. This high-impact development will feature 26 affordable apartments and ADA-compliant commercial spaces, powered by a 40-ton closed-loop geothermal system and a 57 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) array equipped with the revolutionary SolShare technology, which allows energy from the rooftop solar to be distributed among multiple dwellings.

The redevelopment project is currently pursuing grant funding and clean energy financing to support these innovative energy systems, which are designed to significantly reduce heating and cooling costs and support energy equity for residents. The closed-loop geothermal system will provide efficient, sustainable heating and cooling, while the 57 kW solar PV system, integrated with SolShare hardware and software, will enable affordable solar energy access for tenants through shared distribution, setting a new standard for urban mixed-use developments.

“This partnership is about more than just building efficiency; it’s about creating a model for clean, equitable energy access in underserved communities,” said Patrick A. Weller, President of SOL POWER MIDWEST. “With advanced renewable technologies like geothermal and SolShare, we are redefining what’s possible for sustainable urban housing. Our project will provide significant cost savings and environmental benefits for residents, while setting a precedent for energy equity throughout Illinois.”

Jon Womack, Managing Partner at Third City Properties, added, “We provide naturally occurring affordable housing to residents on the West side of Chicago and roughly half of them receive rent subsidies administered by a range of supportive agencies. Many of these agencies prefer utilities to be included in their rent and they are acutely aware that anything that can be done to reduce or even eliminate a utility bill can make a big difference in that person’s budget and overall quality of life. Our collaboration with SOL POWER MIDWEST is intended to help address the feedback from these agencies and meet the needs of our residents.”

The project goes beyond sustainable construction, integrating SOL POWER’s EquiESCO Clean Jobs Program to promote workforce development in equity investment-eligible communities. As a comprehensive clean energy initiative, EquiESCO provides job training and pathways to union labor roles, prevailing wage positions, and EEC-certified business ownership, fostering a ‘green collar’ workforce throughout Illinois.

Highlights of the Project’s Impact and Commitment to Equity:

• Affordable Clean Energy Access: At least 50% of the energy generated or saved will benefit low-income households, ensuring long-term cost savings.
• Local Workforce Development: On-the-job training will be provided for individuals from CEJA and FEJA workforce programs, including the Illinois Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program and the Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training Program.
• Support for Minority Contractors: The project prioritizes contractors participating in the Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program and the Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program.
• Pathways to Sustainable Careers: Employment and training opportunities will be offered through programs like the Solar Training Pipeline Program and the Multi-cultural Jobs Program, strengthening Illinois’s clean energy workforce. 

This partnership stands as a groundbreaking model for clean energy development, combining sustainable design, equitable energy distribution, and workforce empowerment to create lasting positive impacts in Chicago and beyond.

About SOL POWER MIDWEST LLC

SOL POWER MIDWEST LLC is a leading provider of renewable energy solutions, electrification, and clean energy workforce development in Illinois. As an Illinois Distributed Generation Installer and Equity Eligible Contractor-certified Approved Vendor with both the ILSFA and Illinois Shines programs, SOL POWER is committed to advancing the state’s green economy while empowering underserved communities.

SOL POWER’s EquiESCO Clean Jobs Program provides a comprehensive suite of energy solutions tailored for equity investment-eligible communities. Our offerings include energy-saving project design and implementation, retrofitting, electrification, EV charging infrastructure, renewable power generation, and risk management solutions.

Our mission is to forge pathways for equity-eligible individuals towards union labor, prevailing wage positions, and EEC-certified business ownership. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive ‘green collar’ workforce and advancing the clean energy economy in underserved communities across Illinois.

• EEC Coalition Founding Member
• Mechatron Gearless Dual Axis Trackers Certified Installer
• Tesla Certified Installer (Solar, Battery Energy Storage, and Cybertruck Powershare)
• EEC-Certified Approved Vendor: 2162 (ILSFA and Illinois Shines)
• ILSFA Bright Neighborhoods Initiative Approved Vendor
• ICC Distributed Generation Installer Certification: 23-0655
• ICC Energy Efficiency Measures Installer Certification: 24-0418

About Third City Properties LLC

Third City Properties LLC is a real estate investment and management company serving the Chicago market. We are dedicated to providing high quality service to our tenants, clients, and investors. Our primary focus is on acquiring, improving and managing multi-unit residential properties on the West and Northwest sides of Chicago.

For more information, please contact:

SOL POWER MIDWEST LLC
Patrick A. Weller, LEED AP
solmidwestinfo@gmail.com
(815) 491-4445
Rockford, IL

Third City Properties LLC
thirdcityproperties@gmail.com
www.thirdcityproperties.com