Teska Associates, Inc.

Good landscape architecture does more than improve a site. It shapes how communities function, how people experience spaces, and how places hold meaning over time.

April is World Landscape Architecture Month ( ). As the month comes to a close, we're highlighting work underway across the Chicago region that reflects the full spectrum of the discipline, from designing with nature, to creating shared gathering spaces, to capturing the heartbeat of the city in the public realm.

Five projects. Five communities. Each one moving from what if to what’s next.

1. 47th & Ashland | Back of the Yards, Chicago · A major streetscape transformation along two of the Southwest Side's most active commercial corridors, bringing wider sidewalks, new lighting, gateway features, landscaping, and ADA improvements. At its heart, a colorful pedestrian plaza moves from pilot project to permanent people place. The design translates community history and identity into pattern, material, and public space. (CDOT, CBBEL)

2. Depot Park | Crystal Lake, IL · A reimagined downtown hub with performance space, water features, shaded seating, and stronger connections to the Metra station. Designed to host everything from markets to concerts. Opening 2026. (City of Crystal Lake, GHA)

3. The Parker | Galena, IL · A lush destination retreat within walking distance of historic downtown, designed to work with the site’s existing landscape while creating a nature-forward guest experience. (Bien Vie, Baranski Hammer Moretta & Sheehy Architects & Planners (BHMS), Webster McGrath & Ahlberg (WMA) Engineering, Schuler Shook Lighting Design)

4. Veterans Memorial Park | North Aurora, IL · A major renovation improving accessibility, updating site features, and expanding veteran recognition. Construction begins summer 2026, supported by CDBG and local funding. (Village of North Aurora, Bodwe Group, Fountain People, Minnick Services)

5. Bridlewood | Orland Park, IL · A single-family community organized around connected walking paths, generous open space, and landscape design that provides privacy while strengthening residents’ connection to the outdoors. (Richard Turk LLC, Engineering Resource Associates, IJM Architects)

Design that works hard, looks good, and fosters everyday experiences. Not a bad way to spend April… and every day!

We were thrilled to stand alongside our clients at the Village of Streamwood and our partners at last week as we accepted the APWA Chicago Metro Transportation Project Award for the IL Route 59 Bridge and Trail Improvements Project. Teska's community outreach and aesthetic design services contributed to the creation of a piece of connective infrastructure that is safe, accessible, and truly Streamwood! We are incredibly proud of the collaboration and hard work put into this project to expand multimodal access around the region.

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Huge congratulations to Action Brown County and the City of Mt. Sterling, Illinois on this well-deserved recognition by Illinois Main Street. Working alongside this incredible crew of volunteers and leaders during the strategic planning effort was a dream. Their dedication to community, partnership, and implementation shines through in everything you do. Bravo!

Action Brown County is pleased to announce being awarded The Lieutenant Governor Award for Organization and the Volunteer of the Year Award.

The Lieutenant Governor Award for Excellence in Revitalization is one of the most notable recognitions for Illinois Main Street communities to achieve for their work in bringing economic prosperity to their communities. Work highlights projects, activities and events focused around The Main Street Approach™ (Design, Organization, Economic Vitality and Promotion).

ABC received the Organization Award for their work with the Mighty Mt. Sterling Strategic Plan.

Additionally, the Mighty Mt. Sterling strategic plan implementation team received the Volunteer of the Year award, recognizing their diligent work to ensure that the strategic plan moved beyond paper and was actively put into motion through coordinated actions and consistent follow-through.

Executive Director, Alex Geisler, Associate Director, Lauren Hayes, and Board Member, Michele Hedden, attended the Illinois Main Street Awards Dinner this evening to accept the award.

Teska Associates, Inc. All Together Small Nation City of Mt. Sterling, Illinois Tracy Family Foundation

Fountain Square was on 🍁🔥🍁 last week! Foliage in full fall splendor, we just had to stop and smell the.... mums and cabbages.

Happy APA Illinois State Conference week! Team Teska is excited to connect with friends and colleagues both in and out of workshops and sessions. Catch us at the following sessions:

Wednesday, October 8:
Beyond the RFP: A Masterclass in Collaborative Planning - Erin Cigliano joined by Marisa Schulz (All Together) and Adam Rosa (COLLABO Planning + Design)

Dare to Dream: Lighting up Chicago's Loop - Erin Cigliano and Maggie Eickhoff with Jack Newell and Vinod Havalad discuss

Thursday, October 9:
The Value of Capacity Building to Support Local Projects: Lessons Learned from the USDOT Thriving Communities Program in Decatur & Waukegan - Scott Goldstein with Sam Greene (City of Waukegan), Stephen Ostrander (CMAP), and Francesca Lewis (SUMC)

Self Awareness Makes Better Planners - Michael Blue

RTA Chicago's Transit-Friendly Communities Guide - Francesca Sallinger Lawrence with Robert Morris (RTA), Amanda Orenchuk (Village of Mundelein), and Jayne Bernhard (City of Joliet)

2025 Ethics Cases of the Year - Lee Brown with James Peters

APA IL Speed Planning - Erin Cigliano, Andrew Dunham, and Michael Hoffman

Looking forward to seeing you there!