Teska Associates, Inc.

Great read from Streetsblog USA on the RTA Transit-Friendly Communities Guide and the thoughtful engagement that helped shape such. Huge cheers to the amazing steering committee and collaborators for their insight and dedication! Check out the full article below: https://lnkd.in/giKDxAR6 Regional Transportation Authority of Northeastern Illinois (RTA): Heather Tabbert Mullins, AICP, Robert Morris, AICP, Michael Horsting, AICP Steering Committee: Pamela (Pam) Jones, Center for Neighborhood Technology, Bradley Roback, City of Chicago, Brett T. Brown, CMAP, Tony Manno, CMAP, Benet Haller, AICP, LEED AP, Assoc AIA, Cook County DOTH, Ryan R. Ruehle, AICP, Cook County DOTH, Christina Bader, AICP, CTA, John Loper, DuPage County, Marly Schott, M.S., Elevated Chicago, Juan Sebastian A., Elevated Chicago, Carlos Nelson, Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation, Kathryn Welch, Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation, Richard Koenig, PhD, FAICP, Housing Opportunities Development Corporation, Michael Simelton, Joliet Housing Authority, Jacqueline Forbes, Kane County, Juan Villafane, Krueck Sexton Partners, Mike Klemens, Lake County, Jose Acosta, Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, Scott Hennings, AICP, McHenry County DOT, David Kralik, Metra Daniel Thomas, Metra Neil James, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, Audrey Wennink, MPC, John Carlisle, AICP, Pace, Erik Llewellyn, Pace, Dave Tomzik, Pace, Rudy Faust, SUMC, Cynthia McSherry, ULI, Brian Simmons, Village of Cary, Amanda Orenchuk, Village of Mundelein, Andrew Brown, AICP, Village of Park Forest, Elaine Bottomley, Will County Consultant Team: Teska Associates, Inc., TYLin, Egret & Ox Planning, LLC

???????????????? ?? ??????????????-???????????????? ?????????????????? ?????? ???????? ????????????????, ?????? ???? ??????????'?? ???????? ???? ????. Teska, in association with TYLin and Egret & Ox Planning, LLC, worked with the Regional Transportation Authority of Northeastern Illinois (RTA) to develop the ??????????????-???????????????? ?????????????????????? ??????????. This comprehensive resource is packed with practical strategies, real-world examples, and actionable steps to create walkable, mixed-use development that prioritizes transit access across the region, from small towns to built-out suburbs to city neighborhoods. Whether you're a local leader, planner, or community advocate, this guide equips you with next steps to make a tangible difference! https://lnkd.in/gCPnY9pZ #EquitableDevelopment #TransitFriendly #EconomicDevelopment #TOD #ETOD #Planning #CommunityPlanning #PublicTransit #Transit #UrbanDesign

A Triumph for Affordable Housing in Lincoln Square! Today, we celebrate the ribbon-cutting of a transformative affordable housing development bringing 63 affordable apartments to the heart of Lincoln Square. This project, envisioned in the 2019 Lincoln Square Master Plan, is more than just housing; it’s a commitment to equity, opportunity, and keeping our communities accessible for all. As Ald. Matt Martin shared during the ceremony, such developments are vital for families striving to make ends meet. And the momentum doesn’t stop there! Just across the street, transformation of the plaza adjacent to the Western Avenue Brown Line station is underway. Designed by Teska Associates, in partnership with TYLin and Dan Weinbach + Partners, this space will soon mirror the neighborhood's Old World charm, enhancing walkability, social connectivity, pop-ups, and community wellbeing. These milestones underscore the power of collaborative planning and community advocacy, ensuring Lincoln Square remains vibrant and welcoming for all. “This really was a community effort to come together and say that this is needed. We need more homes that people can live in. It’s going to make Lincoln Square stronger. It’s going to make Lincoln Square better, and it’s going to be a reflection of our community’s values.” - Aldermen Martin https://lnkd.in/guQnttXK #LincolnSquare #LincolnSquareNeighborhood #Chicago #CityofChicago #PlaceMaking #UrbanDesign #PublicPlaces #CommunityInput #BuildingBetterNeighborhoods #CommunityEngagement #Plaza #CityPlaza Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, Matt Martin, Teska, Goodman Williams Group, TYLin, Rudy Flores, Katie Kraus, IOM, Ian Tobin, Jodi Mariano, Erin Cigliano, Dominic Suardini, PLA, Jillian Troiani Benoist, PLA , Linda Goodman, Stacey Meekins, Will Woodley and The Community Builders

Lead by Example, Every Day! Today is #NationalSetAGoodExampleDay and to bring it full-circle were shining a little spotlight on Teska principal, Michael Hoffman. This year marks Mike’s 35th year (!) with Teska, and as we celebrate our firm’s 50th year, we’re reflecting on the values that shape us. At the end of 2024, Teska launched the #GratitudeAirmailProject—a simple but meaningful way to encourage our team to reflect on what they’re most thankful for. We set up a mailbox, slapped on a sign that read "Gratitude Airmail," and let the feels flow. While submissions were meant to be anonymous, Mike signed his — so we have full clearance to share his words of wisdom, see second pic! ? Professionalism. Put the needs of your team & client first. ? Humility. Lead with an open mind and willingness to learn. ? Collaboration. Value every team member’s contribution. Mike doesn’t just talk the talk—he lives it. His humility, professionalism, and collaborative spirit have helped build a culture of growth, respect, and innovation, influencing not just our team, but our clients and the communities we serve. Sure #nationalsetagoodexampleday may sound a bit hokey at first blush, but it's actually a spot-on meaningful message and simple mantra -- LEAD BY DOING GOOD. So let’s hear it for The Hoff ?? and all the amazing mentors out! #SetAGoodExampleDay #Leadership #Gratitude #Mentorship #Inspiration #Teamwork

Will you be our Teska-tine? ?? ?? · To our clients, communities, and partners in placemaking: We're grateful for the opportunity to work together and value the relationships and positive change we continue to shape together. Thank you for choo-choo-choosing Teska! #HappyValentinesDay #CommunityLove #TeskaAssociates

Back to School Special ?????? · Teska had a blast taking part in the University of Illinois Chicago CUPPA (College of Urban Planning and Policy Affairs) Firm Crawl last Friday! While we didn't make students crawl all the way to our studios in Evanston and Plainfield, we did put our "go-to-the-community" philosophy into action. Special thanks to UIC for hosting, and cheers to the next generation of planners on their exciting career journeys! #UrbanPlanning #CareerExploration #UIC #CUPPA

Happy Wednesday! To bridge the beginning and end of the week, we bring you the newly restored Glen Avenue Footbridge. ???? ?? ?? Originally constructed in 1915, the historic steel and wooden footbridge crossing Ravine Park in Lake Bluff was showing signs of deterioration. Recognizing the bridge as more than just a crossing point, Teska collaborated with the Village and engineers to redesign the bridge approaches, restore the surrounding landscape, and celebrate the connection between people and the natural world. Complete with meandering pathways, locally sourced materials, inviting seating areas, and native plantings, the project reinforces Lake Bluff's commitment to environmental stewardship and creates a harmonious integration with the surrounding natural environment. Read on to learn how we helped bring this project to life! Learn more about the Glen Avenue footbridge reconstruction: https://lnkd.in/g46vEaV8 #lakebluff #placemaking #urbandesign #landscapearchitecture #landscapedesign #landscape #ravine #nativeplants #landscaperestoration #bridge #bridgereconstruction #teska #teskaassociates Jodi Mariano | LAKE BLUFF, VILLAGE OF

Big n lil rippers, rejoice! ??????Cheers to the City of Evanston on this amazing accolade and investment in social infrastructure, QOL x generational community well-being. The Evanston Skate Park project was pure heartwork for Teska. Collaborating alongside the community, staff, and our incredible partners at CBBEL and Spohn Ranch in the place our studio calls home... #kickflips and #ollies . ????????????

?? HAPPY NATIONAL UMBRELLA DAY ?? · Today, we celebrate an unsung hero of placemaking... the humble umbrella! For planners and placemakers, umbrellas aren't just for rain -- they symbolize shade, shelter, color, comfort, outdoor dining, ambiance and utilitarian joy. Since its debut in Portugal in 2012, the #UmbrellaSkyProject has brightened cities around the world! As the 6th U.S. city to embrace this vibrant installation, the City of Elmhurst brought a splash of color to three downtown locations. Partnering with Elmhurst City Centre and the Elmhurst Public Arts Commission, Teska was thrilled to provide design concepts and planned improvements for one of the three sites located on College Hill Avenue. Highlighted herein are some of the post-install pics, alongside other inspirational umbrella snaps. Thinking of a tactical urbanism project or seasonal installation? Let's brainstorm together! Like an umbrella, we have you covered. There are plenty of low-cost high-win interventions that can spark creativity and make for big impacts. No community should fall victim to "rain delays" when it comes to placemaking, and summer is coming! #UmbrellaSkyProject #Elmhurst #PublicArt #Placemaking #CommunityVibrancy #TeskaAssociates #UrbanDesign Jodi Mariano

Story Goes... Be Both Planner & Padawan · Lee Brown, FAICP is a true mentor, friend, professional, and genuinely good person. Those who know Lee understand his humility; he does not seek recognition for his accomplishments. Our Teska Studio is a testament to the mentorship and leadership of our colleagues, including our esteemed Principal, Lee Brown. It is more than an office; it's an ecosystem of perspectives and abilities; a place where we come together to do business, collaborate, learn from each other, and grow. For all those reasons, we are incredibly proud to share that Lee was honored by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) with the Outstanding Site Visitor Award for 2024. As a member of the PAB site visit pool since 2000, Lee has dedicated himself to evaluating planning programs across the nation and supporting the next generation of planners.?He has played a crucial role in shaping the future of planning education and the profession as a whole.? Also recognized in 2024 was Bruce Stiftel, FAICP, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Georgia Institute of Technology . Congratulations to Lee and Bruce on this well-deserved recognition! Read more: https://lnkd.in/gVRmy-9g