- Introduction
- Acknowledgements
- 1: Getting Ready
- 2: The Costs of Space
- 3: Understanding Credit
- 4: Professional Services
- 5: Finding Space
- 6: Residential Leases
- 7: Commercial and Industrial Leases
- 8: Buying Real Estate
- 9: Types of Mortgages
- 10: The Mortgage Application
- 11: Ownership Models
- 12: Purchasing Alternatives
- 13: Chicago Zoning Ordinance
- 14: Chicago Building Code
- 15: Chicago's Neighborhoods
- 16: Property Taxes
- 17: When You Find a Property
- 18: Inspections
- 19: After Moving In
- 20: Insurance
- 21: Utilities
- 22: Rehabbing Your Space
- 23: Safe and Healthy Spaces
- 24: Green Practice
- 25: When Disputes Arise
- 26: Space Emergencies
- 27: Facility Development Planning
- Bibliography
City Initiatives
City of Chicago initiatives to make the Windy City greener:
Brownfield Initiative
You might be able to use this program as a component in the development of artist live/work or work-only spaces.
Initiated in 1993, this initiative focuses on recycling and redeveloping brownfields: defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as “abandoned, idled or under-utilized industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.” The program studies new uses for specific sites, and partially funds testing and clean-up efforts.
To learn more about this program, contact 312-744-CITY or the Department of Environment at 312-744-7606.
Center for Green Technology
This programs offers resources and information on incorporating green technology and materials into residential and other spaces.
Also known as Green Tech University, the Center offers a variety of seminars on green-related topics such as sustainable architecture and design. Green Tech University is also home to the Green Building Resource Center, which offers green building reference materials, product samples and technical assistance to the general public.
For more information, contact The Chicago Green Tech hotline at 312-746-9642.
Chicago Energy Conservation Code
Information in the Code is helpful when incorporating green technology into a space.
In 2001, the Chicago City Council passed the Chicago Energy Conservation Code, which established minimum energy conservation standards for new and renovated buildings. Click here for detailed information on the Energy Code.
Chicago Park District
In recent years, CPD has worked with artists on a variety of collaborations, such as Art in the Garden (June-October).
CPD manages one of the largest public park systems in the nation. With more than 7,300 acres of parkland, 552 parks, 33 beaches, nine museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons and 10 bird and wildlife gardens, CPD offers a host of outdoor educational, recreational and artistic opportunities.
For more information about CPD programs, contact 312-742-7529 or 312-747-2200, or visit their Website.
Residential Energy Assessment Program (REAP)
The Department of Environment provides REAP, an on-line energy assessment program for residential spaces. Completing the questionnaire will generate a personalized home energy audit report for you to download and print. In addition to the report are several documents on energy-saving technologies and tips available for downloading.
Brownfield Initiative
You might be able to use this program as a component in the development of artist live/work or work-only spaces.
Initiated in 1993, this initiative focuses on recycling and redeveloping brownfields: defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as “abandoned, idled or under-utilized industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.” The program studies new uses for specific sites, and partially funds testing and clean-up efforts.
To learn more about this program, contact 312-744-CITY or the Department of Environment at 312-744-7606.
Center for Green Technology
This programs offers resources and information on incorporating green technology and materials into residential and other spaces.
Also known as Green Tech University, the Center offers a variety of seminars on green-related topics such as sustainable architecture and design. Green Tech University is also home to the Green Building Resource Center, which offers green building reference materials, product samples and technical assistance to the general public.
For more information, contact The Chicago Green Tech hotline at 312-746-9642.
Chicago Energy Conservation Code
Information in the Code is helpful when incorporating green technology into a space.
In 2001, the Chicago City Council passed the Chicago Energy Conservation Code, which established minimum energy conservation standards for new and renovated buildings. Click here for detailed information on the Energy Code.
Chicago Park District
In recent years, CPD has worked with artists on a variety of collaborations, such as Art in the Garden (June-October).
CPD manages one of the largest public park systems in the nation. With more than 7,300 acres of parkland, 552 parks, 33 beaches, nine museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons and 10 bird and wildlife gardens, CPD offers a host of outdoor educational, recreational and artistic opportunities.
For more information about CPD programs, contact 312-742-7529 or 312-747-2200, or visit their Website.
Residential Energy Assessment Program (REAP)
The Department of Environment provides REAP, an on-line energy assessment program for residential spaces. Completing the questionnaire will generate a personalized home energy audit report for you to download and print. In addition to the report are several documents on energy-saving technologies and tips available for downloading.