The Lake County Forest Preserve District (District) issues this request for Statement of Interest (SOI) from qualified professional architectural firms with the intent to establish an agreement with the selected architectural firm to provide the services described herein at a negotiated fee.  Firms are encouraged to submit pertinent information as necessary to indicate their interest, experience, and qualifications to perform the work described within the SOI package.

The District's Board of Commissioners has determined that it is appropriate to construct a new environmental education facility with Net Zero Energy compliance and which will be designed to minimize energy requirements and incorporate renewable energy systems.  The project shall use appropriate green building methodology, attain and maintain site net zero energy performance or better and obtain at least one of these certifications: PHIUS+, PHIUS+ Source Net Zero, Full Living Building Challenge, Petal (Energy) Living Building Certification or Zero Energy Living Building Certification.  To assist in funding for this project, the District will be applying for a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation’s “Net Zero Energy Building Program.”  (Information on this program can be found at https://www.illinoiscleanenergy.org/energy-program/net-zero-energy-building-program).  

This facility will be constructed at the Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area (Ryerson Conservation Area) located on Riverwoods Road,  1.5 miles north of Deerfield Road in Riverwoods, Illinois.  The project will reflect the unique mission, atmosphere, and staff of the Lake County Forest Preserve District.