WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 05, 2008
by Jenn DankoChicagoThe fine-dining destination corner of Jefferson and Randolph Streets may be making room for a new trend: LEED-certified dining.
The concept was sprung on by former Nacional 27 chef Randy Zweiban, who tapped Leopardo Construction to carry out his eco-friendly vision for his new restaurant, Province. Located in the West Loop at 161 North Jefferson Street, Province glows with a rich mix of sustainable design and whimsical sensibility. Zweiban is seeking Gold LEED-CI certification for his new, fuchsia-toned digs, which opened earlier this fall.
If granted, Province will be the first LEED-certified restaurant located in Chicago's downtown.
Robert Wissolik, project manager with Leopardo Construction, helmed the restaurant build-out of the 4,200 square foot, 140-seat restaurant which features cork flooring and tabletops, recycled leather chairs, and PVC-free vinyl, to name a few.
"Many well-meaning clients are discouraged early in the preconstruction process because of the difficulty in designing energy efficient mechanical and electrical systems for an energy intensive space, such as a restaurant," Wissolik says on building a LEED-CI certified restaurant space.
In the case of Province, Leopardo applied organic concrete stain to the furniture and installed floor-to-ceiling windows, along with highly-efficient heat pump mechanical and lighting systems. The kitchen has a poured floor which is more durable and earth-friendly than standard quarry tile, the company says in a press release.
Wissolik says that restaurants by their very nature present unique opportunities for the LEED-CI design professionals to maximize their creativity in finding sustainable design practices. "Based on the energy savings alone, Province can expect to recover the full upfront premium cost for their sustainable design around the fifth year of operation," he adds.
In addition to constructing the space from sustainable materials, Zweiban incorporates green kitchen equipment and serves farm-to-table cuisine, such as organic grits, braised Heritage Farms lamb and slow-roasted Gunthorp Farms pork.
As Province looks to pave the way for more LEED-certified dining destinations, the restaurant already has location on its side. The space is seated on the ground floor of the Chicago Transit Authority building which was the first municipal building in the state of Illinois to received LEED-Existing Building certification. Province hopes to follow in the building's footsteps and receive a Gold certification.
Wissolik says the restaurant's location also contributes to its sustainability quotient.
"The restaurant is located within walking distance of over a million people in downtown Chicago, as well as steps away from local food supply sources, thereby minimizing every potential impact on the environment," he says. "It is only a matter of time before other smart restaurant owners realize the benefits of green systems like Province did."
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