T.G. Masaryk Czech School
Small Site Master Plan

Living Habitats was entrusted with the development of a master plan for the T.G. Masaryk Czech School property, with a focus on reinforcing outdoor learning, fostering community building, and promoting environmental stewardship. Founded in 1921, the school has long served as a cornerstone of the Czech community in Cicero, Illinois, offering educational programs and cultural enrichment to generations of students and community members. The project aims to transform the school’s outdoor areas, while honoring its rich history by creating a space that reflects elements of Czech culture, heritage, and nature, while providing a dynamic setting for future community needs.

In collaboration with the client, Living Habitats developed a landscape master plan that carefully organizes the desired outdoor program in coordination with existing uses within the modestly sized site. The planning approach was responsive to the client’s interest in native plants, providing detailed plant lists for key areas, as well as their phasing and implementation needs, mapping out opportunities to engage a community of passionate volunteers in the installation process.

To initiate the realization of the project, Living Habitats led the client through a bidding process with local contractors to obtain cost estimates for various phases of project implementation, helping to ensure that key milestones were met.

 

Location:
Cicero, Illinois

Date:
2024