A green revolution in Chicago
Opening a bank may seem like an unusual business move when the economy is down, but Steve Sherman, CEO of GreenChoice Bank, believes now is a great time. He thinks local businesses will flock to it because it fills a gap in the market - a sustainable, nearly paperless bank. It’s the only bank of its kind in the Midwest and its location couldn’t be more perfect: one of the country’s most ambitious green business projects, Green Exchange at 2545 W. Diversey Ave. in Chicago. Along with innovative businesses with solutions to the down-trodden economy, Green Exchange incorporates the U.S. Green Building Society’s highest sustainable construction standard, platinum; work-live lofts; event space and a second-floor sky garden.
The building’s location is a towering testament to change. Kate Gardiner of Medill wrote, “From Interstate 94, its green logo is prominent on a white cupola among a sea of industrial smoke stacks, and its landmark exterior free of graffiti above the first floor.” Its location is like the planting of a seed whose germination has already begun gentrification on the community as nearby $400,000 condominiums are now down the street from “abandoned, scarred homes whose doors flap in the winter wind.” Business owner Richard Kabbe told Gardiner he’s hoping the exchange project will bring foot traffic to his and other nearby businesses. Kabbe and his family has owned Kabbe Hardware, 2550 W. Diversey Ave. for 98 years. He said business has been slower lately - and different. He’s changing the product lines he’s carrying to suit the new young, professional clientele he’s been courting. The restaurant next door has started investing in flat screen televisions and is redecorating.
Also moving in will be The Delta Institute with its Green Business Development Center, which will nurture green technology and training for sustainable business throughout the Midwest.
Kabbe said this project brings hope to a little corner that’s kind of been forgotten. The aspiring community of sustainable businesses and practices will make this “little corner” of Chicago unforgettable.
This blog post refers to the Jan. 27, 2009 edition of Medill Reports Chicago by Medill News Service. Read the original article here.
Tags: Green Exchange