The highlight is a seven-story 18,000 sq. ft. interior rainforest atrium that many of the rooms open onto. I/RG designed dense tropical plantings, simulated rock outcroppings, a heated therapeutic waterfall, mineral spa/pool, fish pond with waterfall, sidewalk caf????????(R)???????+???????(R)???????(C), lecture space, sitting areas, game tables and walking areas. A HVAC system maintains temperature and humidity levels, plus there is computerized lighting. The 18-tropical trees (30?EUR??,,????'?????<

Residents and caregivers report dramatic improvement of allergy and asthma conditions. In 2001-2002 The Park at Vernon Hills rainforest received two national and two state awards.

Town Center Redevelopment, South Holland, Ill.

I/RG has been retained by the South Chicago suburb of South Holland for the past four years to assist in the redevelopment planning of the Village?EUR??,,????'?????<

Additional detailed design was performed for streetscape beautification of the South Park Avenue commercial district and the renovation of the 22-acre Veterans Community Park.

The completed Veterans Park improvements include a formal gateway entrance; 2-tournament level baseball fields; the Park Central building, a 2-story concession/restroom/press box and special events room building centered between the ball fields; playgrounds; a naturalized detention pond/constructed wetland; and an operations building and walkway system with benches and lighting. Future master planned improvements include an outdoor amphitheater, multiple picnic pavilions, gazebo, bocce ball courts, riverwalk and nature center, memorial gardens, public art and a water feature. In 2008 the Veterans Park detention pond and wetland area received a U.S. EPA & Chicago Wilderness award for conservation & natural landscaping.