TERRA Engineering, Ltd.

You might remember our e-blast from last month, but we wanted to send a quick reminder: The City of Chicago released updated Regulations for Sewer Construction and Stormwater Management, effective February 1, 2025. (https://lnkd.in/gYzQpjzz) A summary of key updates follows. Please let us know how TERRA can help you evaluate these changes and effects to your development; we’d love to help you navigate the changes! 1) Pavement resurfacing is considered maintenance and would not trigger stormwater requirements, but full-depth pavement reconstruction (even if to the same grades) will trigger rate control and volume control requirements. 2) The largest change is moving towards Bulletin 75 rainfall intensities when sizing stormwater management facilities. Bulletin 75 incorporates the Illinois State Water Survey’s recent update to rainfall intensities in Illinois and provides an increase of ~1-inch for the 100-yr, 24-hr event in the Chicagoland area; generally resulting in a 20-30% increase in the required detention volumes for Regulated Developments.

Stormwater management is increasingly prevalent across developments, potentially impacting space, cost, schedule and sustainable goals. The most effective projects incorporate mitigation solutions early in the planning stages. TERRA will provide an overview on the fundamentals of stormwater management and its impact on the planning and design of various developments. We will discuss how engineers estimate runoff and plan for holistic and innovative solutions to meet regulatory requirements while promoting sustainable strategies. Join us on GoToWebinar on Thursday, September 19th at 12 p.m. Register now using this link: https://lnkd.in/gMkPWpRk

We're proud to share that River Trails School District 26 was one of 13 honorees recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Efficient and Healthy Schools program at the 2024 White House Summit for Sustainable and Healthy K-12 School Buildings and Grounds! The district was celebrated for its leadership in creating energy-efficient, climate-resilient, and healthy school environments. TERRA had the privilege of contributing to this effort by providing landscape architecture services for a nature playground at a renovated public preschool and kindergarten in Mount Prospect. The project transformed a former parking lot into a dynamic play area, incorporating natural elements like wood equipment, outcropping stones and native plantings, creating a space that fosters both learning and play.

As we wrap up another memorable season, we're excited to announce taking the championship title for this summer’s volleyball league! Every Tuesday at North Avenue Beach, our Chicago office staff enjoyed thrilling matches, camaraderie, and fun in the sun. 🏐 Huge thanks to everyone in the design league who participated. site design group, ltd. Rubinos & Mesia Engineers (RME)

The Chicago Transit Authority opened its newest ‘L’ station at Damen Avenue and Lake Streets on the city’s Near West Side this past Monday! After seven years in the making, this modern-designed facility is a major milestone for the area. TERRA is proud to have contributed to this exciting project by providing surveying and landscape architecture services. Check out the article below to learn more about how this station is closing transit gaps and sparking new developments in the area. 🚆

Yesterday, TERRA’s Peoria office had a fantastic time at their annual summer outing, enjoying the Peoria Chiefs game against the Quad Cities River Bandits! With an amazing view of the action, delicious food and a special visit from Homer, the firehouse dog and Chiefs mascot, it was a wonderful opportunity for our team to connect and enjoy a beautiful day at the ballpark.

TERRA is excited to share an update on the 1.6-acre courtyard renovation at Illinois Central College in East Peoria! As the prime consultant, our team transformed an old concrete space with ADA challenges into an accessible, vibrant hub featuring improved circulation, shaded seating, study areas and sustainable landscaping. The project is nearing completion and is set to welcome students back in the fall. This revitalized courtyard is designed to enhance the campus experience for both students and staff, creating a welcoming environment for all. Stay tuned for the final reveal and see how we're bringing this vision to life!

On Monday, July 15th, TERRA had the privilege of sponsoring a cigar booth at Representative Ryan Spain's golf outing at the Mt. Hawley Country Club. Despite the scorching 95-degree heat, it was a fantastic day to engage with participants and network with the community!

We are excited to announce that the Chicago Park District Headquarters has been honored with a Chicago Neighborhood Development award! TERRA was proud to contribute site/civil engineering, traffic engineering and surveying services for this remarkable 17-acre project in Brighton Park in collaboration with John Ronan Architects. The 58,100-square-foot facility not only serves the Park District staff but also provides a gym, teen center, community multipurpose rooms and a terrace for events. Outside, the community can enjoy the athletic fields, playgrounds and a grand lawn for various activities.

We love seeing St. Francis Milwaukee Church in full bloom!  #TeamTERRA enhanced the site with a new Narthex addition and adjacent parking for residents, staff and parishioners. The parking lot features both asphalt and permeable pavers, offering a sustainable solution through green design and water detention. Our landscape team also designed two courtyards around the Narthex addition, blending the new architecture with the existing landscape. Special thanks to the project architect, MKB Architects, for the stunning photos!