SmithGroup wins Merit Award from Illinois Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects

SmithGroup was awarded a 2014 Merit Award by the Illinois Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ILASLA) for its Main Street streetscape design in the Village of Lisle, Illinois.

The ILASLA awards program, which each year recognizes outstanding landscape architecture projects in the State of Illinois, was held on April 25, 2014 at the Chicago History Museum. The Main Street streetscape project won the award for demonstrating merit in design and environmental responsibility in an urban environment.

The SmithGroup team created a downtown identity to support the Village’s vision of stimulating development, instilling design character and inviting people back downtown. Utilizing complete streets principles to control vehicular movements and improve pedestrian safety, Main Street’s character changed dramatically from vehicular-focused to pedestrian friendly.

“The streetscape has transformed downtown Lisle into a destination that will foster business growth and serve as a community gathering place,” said Lisle Mayor Joseph J. Broda.

The new streetscape features an appealing prairie-style design with integrated lighting, decorative pavers along sidewalks, an engaging nature-based fountain, multiple seating areas and extensive, raised planting areas.

“One of Lisle’s most significant attractions, the renowned Morton Arboretum, helped inspire plant material choices for the Main Street streetscape,” said Randall Machelski, project landscape architect, SmithGroup.

The streetscape, which connects to Lisle’s picturesque Garden Walk and PraireWalk Pond, provides the community with a beautiful linkage to the Arboretum, Machelski added.

Lisle’s natural elements such as the new 4.5-acre Prairie Walk Pond and native plantings provide a relaxing environment to enjoy the town center, where façade improvements have attracted local businesses. On Saturdays, Lisle’s French Market invites customers to an open-air shopping experience.

Lisle, Illinois was named one of Money Magazine’s Top 20 “Best Places to Live” in America.

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