Anaerobic Digestor in Chicago
We are excited to announce that in 2Q 2020 we plan to break ground on a 9-acre Renewable Energy and Urban Farming Campus in South Chicago. This is a unique opportunity to invest in a highly visible and transformative project that will recycle organic (biodegradable) waste into renewable energy and nutrient-rich soil that is ideal for construction applications and the rapidly growing urban agricultural market. One of the main limiting factors to expanding urban farms in cities is the availability of compost needed for growing food. With nearly 900 urban farm sites across just Chicago, the need for the compost is huge and largely unmet. The Project is city approved and uniquely positioned to be the first large-scale organic waste anaerobic digester within the city limits of Chicago, which otherwise has high barriers to entry given land constraints and zoning restrictions. The Project will yield meaningful environmental and economic benefits as industries, communities and legislators mandate stricter sustainability targets.
To-date the Project has been funded by our family office, with additional financing sources, including federal and state grants already secured.
Circle L Capital Management
Circle L Capital Management is a family office founded in 1887 by the Otzen and Lammers families. Their history is rich in entrepreneurship dating back to 1887 when the family owned and operated Chicago Rawhide. Chicago Rawhide was a provider of OEM parts for auto manufacturers and industrial belts used in the War. That company later acquired Safety Clean which grew to a success and size that allowed for an IPO, bringing the family wealth which they sought to deploy in venture capital investments. Since that time, the families have used their resources to help built Medspeed from a local start up to the leading nationwide medical logistics company that it is today. The family also owns RentalMax, a commercial equipment rental operation in Illinois as well as various real estate projects across the Midwest.
Two years ago the family joined in partnership as an early investor with the current digester project in Chicago. The family’s vision has always been to partner with good people on good projects. This newest project is in keeping with that vision. They are excited to help bring the same success to a project they can be passionate about and that will have a significant impact to their local community.