Facilities
Eco Environment
Part of the vision of PR is to respect Mother Earth and all of Creator’s creation. All building materials are chosen to protect our health, our environment and to be as long lasting as possible. PR goal is to be a net-zero environment, or even energy-plus. The desire is to be off the grid to be truly completely self-sustaining. The use of solar, passive solar, geo-thermal, off-grid systems, on-site generators, straw bail buildings, Energy Star Products, and any other progressive energy and building systems are implemented to keep in line with this goal. Building designs and materials will take layout, location, natural exposures, topography, nature; as well as how to reduce waste, use eco friendly materials, and how to make it as durable as possible, are all taken into consideration before construction occurs. Recycled materials will be used as often as possible, as well as reused as long as they are able to meet our requirements for efficiency, sustainability, and effectiveness.
The goal of all building is to have the best LEED and HERS ratings possible. All products used on PR are organic, all natural or Green Seal Certified. In Order to create a more sustainable world, it is also our goal to not only create an environment that emulates that but to also help people understand how to implement this in their own lives.
Pond
At the entrance to the property a pond that is alive with animals greets you.
Main House
Located in the center of the complex is a large 2-story log cabin. Inside there is the main kitchen, a large eating area and a large great room with a grand fireplace. The second floor has dormitory style guest quarters. This is the primary area for eating, socializing and relaxation.
Greenhouses
Behind the main house there are 2 green houses that grow fruits and vegetables year round on Tower Gardens. Tower Gardens are compact, state-of-the-art vertical aeroponic system that uses less than 10% of the water and land required by traditional, soil-based agriculture. This allows us to provide an abundance of organic fresh produce year round. Up to 28 plants can be grown on each Tower Garden. Eleven Tower Gardens provide all the produce for the 26 restaurants at O’Hare International Airport year round.
In between the two green houses there is a garden bed for the summer growing of corn, potatoes, turnips, carrots and other tuber and stalk type foods.
Depending on location, if the area is conducive to fruit trees, any successful varieties will be grown on the Ranch as well.
The Helpful People Building
This building has several rooms and offices that provide various services of holistic medicines, energy medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic, and speech, occupational, physical and massage therapy. It is the intent this will be the first building of straw bale construction built on site. The design is simple, yet warm and inviting inside. It is modeled after a building at the Sieben Linden Ecovillage of Germany.
The Village
To the back and side of the main house there are a dozen smaller one and two bed cabins, as well as 2 larger bunkhouses that will be rented out.
There is also a small village, called The Village at Pathways containing a cluster of 5 houses, each containing 4 apartments designed for Alzheimer’s and aging patients with a security/nurses house overlooking the peaceful place to pass to another dimension.
Stables, Barn, Corrals and Arena
There are stables and barns that house many varieties of animals; horses, miniature horses, chickens, cows, pigs, goats, donkeys, sheep, turkeys and rabbits are some of them. There are corrals that are used for gathering of the cattle. There is an indoor arena for equine-assisted therapy. Respect and love are given to all the creatures, wild and captive, at . They are beings of light as well, and deserve no less. Great care will be taken in choosing healthy diets that support them in the most appropriate manner, based on individual requirements.
Gazebo
A large gazebo sits high on a hillside with an amazing view for weddings, commitment ceremonies, celebrations, and couples retreats. Outdoor yoga, tai chi, qi gong and energy work will also be done at the gazebo.
Fire Pit
Covering a couple acres there is a fire pit area, surrounded by tent sites, tee pees and a sweat lodge. This will also be the location to hold outdoor concerts.