For people who don't wish to commit to becoming a homeowner, it can be difficult to locate communities that fit into an eco-conscious way of life. However, Village Green makes it easy to settle into a green living environment with their suites, lofts, and apartments found in Chicago and Minneapolis. With all the amenities of a resort offered at the eco-friendly Village Green properties, your new home could be the type of dwelling vacationers envy.

A Green Commitment

When possible, Village Green puts their best foot forward to conserve energy and natural resources. They embrace water and air quality through recycling, using eco-friendly building materials, and testing out other sustainable practices. Village Green also works with business partners who share some of the same green initiatives, including Whirlpool, Kohler, Shaw Flooring, and ICI Paints.

Village Green Properties

In the Midwest, Village Green has made a name for itself, as the company established the first multifamily building in the region to pursue LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.

The MDA City Apartments (located on 63 E. Lake Street in Chicago, Illinois) offer floor plans for studios, convertibles, one- and two-bedroom apartments, soft lofts, lofts and penthouses. Residents will enjoy bamboo floors, a rooftop Sky Club and Sky Park, and 24-hour concierge. The MDA City Apartments also made the top 5 Luxe List of Home's 2010 Chicago List for highest rated apartments. Rent ranges from $1,335 to $3,055.

In Minneapolis, Minnesota, Village Green is behind the construction of the Eitel Building City Apartments, which became the recipient of the Best in American Living Award (BALA) in 2009 for its glowing method of reuse – transforming a former hospital into a green living environment. Residents enjoy the perks of a resort club, which include indoor and outdoor movie theaters, 24-hour fitness center, dry heat sauna, business center, yoga/pilates studio, massage room, and free wireless Internet in common areas. Rent ranges from $1,020 to $2,490.

Walk to 225 Portland Avenue and you'll encounter something magical brewing. The soon-to-be Mill District City Apartments in Minnesota are currently in construction. Leasing will continue through spring and summer of 2010 with the first residents moving in during the fall and winter. The property marks the fifth downtown apartment community for Village Green. Features to look forward to include oversized Low E windows, built-in wine racks, an onsite specialty store, and boutique hotel-style lobby with living Green Wall.

By Yona Williams