TERRA Adds Electrical Engineering to its Multidisciplinary Team

TERRA Engineering is excited to add Electrical Engineering services to its portfolio. We are adding a diverse and talented team of three electrical engineers and one electrical designer to serve existing and new clients, starting in March 2023. Please join us in welcoming Don Freeston, Patrick Gannon, Francisco Garcia, and Alex Garcia to Team TERRA.

With 24 years in the industry and licensed in over 30 states, Don Freeston will manage TERRA Engineering’s Electrical Engineering group in which he will direct overall team activities and will be responsible for personnel project assignments and deadlines. Don is a low voltage (<1,000 Volts) Subject Matter Expert and will also be responsible for electrical engineering design and QA/QC on projects for industrial/manufacturing facilities, site power distribution for highways, landscapes, & streetscapes, data centers, commercial buildings, higher education, military bases, healthcare, and public schools. 

Patrick Gannon has been in the electrical industry since he was 16 years old and bleeds electrons. Having started his career as a union electrician, Patrick brings hands-on field application to his engineering design principles. Patrick is an accomplished Electrical Practice Lead in the design-build construction, pipeline and electric utility industries. He has a proficient knowledge and understanding of high voltage infrastructure through 345kV including the design and layout of electrical utilities, transformers, substations, transmission and distribution. He is also proficient in low and medium-voltage distribution systems, motor control centers, and power systems analysis.  

Francisco Garcia brings 15 years of diverse electrical engineering experience to TERRA. Spending most of his time in the Oil & Gas Industry, Francisco specialized in low and medium-voltage power distribution systems on large and medium-scale natural gas compressor stations and other industrial applications. Francisco has experience managing a team of support engineers, designers, and drafters to create electrical construction packages. Francisco has also spent several years designing security systems for substations and nuclear reactor facilities. 

Alex Garcia is a Senior Electrical Designer with over twenty years of design experience with electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection systems.  Alex has worked on a large variety of projects in many different industries including aggregate, manufacturing, industrial, mixed-use, hi-rise, data centers, telecommunications, site power distribution, healthcare, education, municipalities, military, recreational, and food service. Alex's experience includes proficiency in applications such as Autodesk's AutoCAD MEP, REVIT, Navisworks, Buzzsaw, Design Review, TrueView, ACAD360, Bentley's Microstation and ProjectWise, Bluebeam, and many more.

Electrical Services TERRA Now Provides:

  • Low Voltage Power (>120V – 1000V) distribution

  • Medium Voltage Power (>1000V - <69,000V) distribution

  • Cable management

  • Lighting, photometric calculations, and lighting controls

  • Service entrance switchboards/switchgear

  • Motor Controls Centers

  • Emergency Standby or Prime Power Generation

  • Uninterruptible Power Supplies

  • Low Voltage and Medium Voltage Transformers

  • Roof Top or Utility Grade Photovoltaic Arrays

  • Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

  • Fire Notification and Detection Systems

  • Security Design

  • SCADA

  • Grounding

  • Lightning Protection

  • Power Conditioning and Power Quality Equipment

  • Power Systems Analysis, including Arc Flash, Short Circuit, and Coordination Studies, Load Analysis and Motor Starting Studies

  • Two- and Three-Dimensional CAD Design

  • Electrical Construction Cost Estimates 

  • Construction management, observation, and administration services


    For More Information
    Lynn Kessen
    Director of Marketing & Strategic Planning
    Phone: 312.467.0123
    Email: lkessen@terraengineering.com

Western Avenue is ASCE Central Illinois Project of the Year

Wednesday – October 5th, 2022

Peoria, IL – The Central Illinois Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers hosted its annual meeting and banquet highlighting outstanding civil engineering projects over the lunch hour on Thursday, September 22nd. TERRA Engineering, Ltd.’s Civil Engineering department was recognized for its recently completed Western Avenue Reconstruction Project from Adams Street to Lincoln Avenue, a unique and innovative project transforming it into a well-balanced, complete green transportation corridor. As design engineer, TERRA performed Phase I and Phase II engineering services for the project.

ASCE Annual meeting & Banquet

Recognized Western Avenue as the 2022 Small Project of the Year.

The City identified the corridor for reconstruction, working toward revitalization through Complete Streets in an area of low economic development. Western Avenue is adjacent to a mix of residential and commercial properties. A makeover of the public right-of-way was a major component of the planned economic redevelopment for Peoria’s south side, and the hope for the improvements to attract new businesses and foster local job growth.

The robust public involvement plan began early with its public meetings schedule to gain input from the community regarding redeveloping the right-of-way to provide a complete green street. Key message points included drainage considerations, bicyclist accommodations, adding green space and landscaping, and accessible pedestrian accommodations with separation from the roadway.

The dense urban environment and crowded right-of-way presented many design challenges as did the placement of utility poles and watermain. TERRA worked with the City to resolve these challenges using best engineering solutions.

An essential element of the design was the incorporation of green infrastructure. It was critical that the reconstructed corridor adhere to the City’s stormwater ordinance, which aims to reduce the City’s number of combined sewer overflow events.

The TERRA design team worked closely with a national paver supplier to better mitigate the vehicular traffic and bicycle rideability concerns. A specific permeable paver was selected based on shape, surface edge chamfer, and hydraulic performance. In addition, a similar non-permeable paver was selected for the intersections. This two-typed paver approach provides a visually consistent bicycle path throughout the corridor that accepts stormwater runoff while being durable for heavy turning traffic.

The project improvements converted the existing four-lane roadway section into a three-lane section with complete street elements. The road diet generates new space within the existing right-of-way for the new bicycle lanes on either side and policy sidewalks. Additional elements include permeable pavers, streetlights, greenspace, and retaining walls and fences along the new-and-improved right-of-way. The City’s green infrastructure goals are accommodated by a new drainage system consisting of permeable pavers, an underground granular storage system, dry wells and an overflow storm sewer.

Because of this $12.6 million local, state and federal economic development investment made for the construction of this major corridor revitalization, the community seems encouraged by the potential for more businesses and jobs to locate to the area.


For More Information
Lynn Kessen
Director of Marketing & Strategic Planning
Phone: 312.467.0123
Email: lkessen@terraengineering.com

TERRA's Landscape Department Recognized for River Trails Nature Playground

Nature Playground First of its Kind Associated with a Public School in Illinois

Tuesday – September 27th, 2022

Chicago, IL – The Illinois Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects hosted its annual showcase “Celebration +” highlighting outstanding landscape architecture projects on Thursday, September 22nd. TERRA Engineering, Ltd.’s Landscape Architecture department was recognized for its recently completed River Trails Nature Playground, a unique and innovative project adjacent to the newly renovated and net-zero River Trails Elementary School, a first for a nature playground associated with a public school in Illinois. TERRA served as the project manager for the Landscape Architecture portion of the project.

With the vision to create a sustainable and integrated learning environment, TERRA helped transform the Prairie Trails Early Learning Center into a creative and engaging nature playground that extends learning outdoors. From the outset of the project, TERRA’s team of landscape architects worked closely with the school administrators, teachers, and maintenance staff to create a space that would reintroduce children to the joys and possibilities of the natural world.

The design combined multiple areas of the school curriculum to foster creativity and to learn in unexpected environments using instruments, manipulation, and exploration. With open-ended learning environments, the joys of making mud pies in the outdoor kitchen, becoming frogs on the log steppers, or hiding in fairy houses on the hill, demonstrate the endless opportunities. The intent of this new playground aims to become more than a ‘recess’ area, but an active contributor to early childhood education.

Due to its award of an environmental grant, the school was renovated to become the nation’s first net-zero building that also meets the Passive House Institute US standard. In doing so, the building reduces energy by 40-60% compared to a conventional school. It is also one of the first nature playgrounds associated with a public school in Illinois. The holistic, environmentally-focused site renovation includes:

  • Stormwater is routed through a naturalized wetland detention basin reducing contamination to the adjacent creek

  • Conversion of the asphalt parking lots to permeable pavers, reducing stormwater runoff

  • Protection of the existing greenspace - a floodway rated for 1 in a 100-year storm event

  • Use of non-toxic, natural playground materials from sustainably sourced cedar from the USA

  • Use of locally sourced limestone outcropping stones as play features

  • Improvement of local ecology with native planting and butterfly exploration garden

  • Maintaining existing trees to provide shade and habitat.

For More Information
Lynn Kessen
Director of Marketing & Strategic Planning
Phone: 312.467.0123
Email: lkessen@terraengineering.com 

TERRA’s Fields Recognized as ASCE Central Illinois Valley Branch Civil Engineer of the Year

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Wednesday, September 29, 2021

PEORIA, Ill. – The American Society of Civil Engineers’ Central Illinois Section recognized TERRA Engineering, Ltd.’s Senior Structural Engineer Kristen Fields, P.E., S.E. as its 2020 Civil Engineer of Year during the 96th annual meeting and banquet held virtually on Thursday, September 23.

“I am grateful and honored to receive this award,” Fields said. “I’m grateful for this community of engineers and want to thank those who’ve helped and been a part of my growth in this industry.”

Fields, who joined TERRA in 2013, serves as the firm’s senior structural engineer. During her 28-year career, she has focused on the analysis and design, as well as evaluation, of structural systems. Her project portfolio includes buildings, bridges, underground storage tanks, retaining walls, foundations, and various other types of structures. Fields increased her capacity to work in other states by earning licensure in Missouri, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, as well as getting her certification as an NBIS Program Manager for Bridge Inspections in 2012. In addition to her wealth of structural engineering knowledge, she also has expertise with multiple modeling software packages, such as STAAD Pro, MDX, Slide, PY Wall, AutoCAD, and HEC-RAS.

TERRA’s Vice President George Ghareeb reiterated that “Kristen’s diligence and attention to details enable her to successfully and thoughtfully serve clients, contractors, and community members making her well-respected within the engineering community. Using these skills, she has become an integral part in the design, planning, and construction engineering phases of various projects.” Ghareeb added, “Kristen’s ability to share her prowess and experience is what truly drives her success in all of these environments.”

Outside of her work within TERRA, Fields also serves as the chair of ASCE’s Structural Committee, and is an adjunct professor at Bradley University, in Peoria, for Senior Engineering Design courses. She also belongs to the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois (SEAOI), as a member, and attends their annual conferences.


For More Information
Lynn Kessen
Director of Marketing & Strategic Planning
Phone: 312.467.0123
Email: lkessen@terraengineering.com

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ACEC Illinois Recognizes TERRA Engineering with Two Awards at 2020 Annual Gala | Friday, March 6, 2020

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ACEC Illinois Recognizes TERRA Engineering with Two Awards at 2020 Annual Gala

Friday, March 6, 2020

CHICAGO – The American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC) hosted this year’s 2020 Engineering Excellence Award Garden Party Gala at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare on Thursday, February 20th. TERRA received ACEC’s inaugural Small Firm of the Year Award and the Special Projects Honor Award for the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority’s (MPEA) McCormick Square Campus Expansion project. The McCormick Square Campus Expansion project consisted of five sub-projects including the construction of the Marriott Marquis Chicago, a 39-story hotel with 1,205 guest rooms and the 10,387-seat Wintrust Arena. The project included the complete restoration of the American Book Company (ABC) building constructed in 1912, the half-acre Prairie District Park, and the reconstruction of S. Prairie Avenue from E. 21st Street to E. Cermak Road in both permeable and non-permeable clay brick pavers.

TERRA’s Dustin Erickson, P.E., CFM, who served as project manager for civil engineering on this mixed-use development, was joined by other TERRA staff and client partners from MPEA, Site Design, Goesttch Partners, and Clark Construction. “We are honored that ACEC Illinois recognized TERRA as its inaugural Small Firm of the Year,” Jamil Bou-Saab, TERRA’s executive vice president, stated. “This accomplishment reflects our staff’s passion for advancing the engineering industry by helping shape the community in which we live, work, and play.” If you would like to learn more about this project, click here.

TERRA Engineering, Ltd. is a full-service, woman-owned engineering firm serving clients since 1992. With offices in Chicago, Peoria, Oak Park, Grayslake, Milwaukee and St. Louis. TERRA provides high-quality services for client-specific solutions within scope, budget and schedule. For more information about TERRA, call 312.467.0123 or visit us online at www.terraengineering.com.

Pictured above (left to right): TERRA’s Executive Vice President Jamil Bou Saab, P.E., Senior Transportation Engineer David Albers, P.E., Landscape Architect Jennifer Draper, PLA, ALSA, LEED AP, Marketing Assistant Michaella Komzak, Vice President George Ghareeb, P.E., and Senior Project Engineer Dustin Erickson, P.E., CFM.

For More Information
Lynn Kessen
Director of Marketing & Strategic Planning
Phone: 312.467.0123
Email: lkessen@terraengineering.com

 



 

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TERRA Engineering, Ltd. Helping to Make the Pritzker Military Museum and Library a Reality | Tuesday, September 10, 2019

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TERRA Engineering, Ltd. Helping to Make the Pritzker Military Museum and Library a Reality

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

CHICAGO – TERRA Engineering, Ltd. is pleased announce that it is providing civil /site engineering, landscape architecture, wetland delineation and permitting, drain tile survey and topographic and boundary survey services for the 280-acre Pritzker Military Museum and Library (PMML) development located in the Village of Somers, Wisconsin.

The PMML project consists of the development of land that is currently farmed for agricultural use. The project will consist of the construction of a military museum building and library for museum archival storage buildings, four commercial archival storage buildings, an indoor shooting range and clubhouse building, two outdoor sporting clays courses with shooting stations, four pedestrian and light vehicle bridges, permeable paver parking lots, interior roads, a low-pressure grinder pump lift station and force main, interior roads, walking paths, and a Cold War Memorial. We are also submitting a proposal for structural engineering the pedestrian and light vehicle bridges.

TERRA Engineering, Ltd. is a full-service, woman-owned engineering firm serving clients since 1992. With offices in Chicago, Peoria, Oak Park, Grayslake, Milwaukee and St. Louis. TERRA provides high-quality services for client-specific solutions within scope, budget and schedule. For more information about TERRA, call 312.467.0123 or visit us online at www.terraengineering.com.

Image provided by: The Kenosha News

For More Information
Lynn Kessen
Director of Marketing & Strategic Planning
Phone: 312.467.0123
Email: lkessen@terraengineering.com

 



 

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TERRA Engineering, Ltd. Attends ASLA’s 2018 Annual Meeting and EXPO | October 26, 2018

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TERRA Engineering, Ltd. Attends ASLA’s 2018 Annual Meeting and EXPO

Friday, October 26, 2018

CHICAGO – The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) held its Annual Meeting and EXPO at Philadelphia’s Pennsylvania Convention Center from October 19th through the 26th. Senior Landscape Architect Keven Graham, FASLA, PLA, CLARB and Landscape Designer Maggie Aravena, ASLA, represented TERRA. They connected with landscape architecture professionals and students from around the world. Keven attended the Chapter President’s Council Meetings and spoke on the panel, “Amplifying the Landscape Architect’s Voice Within a Multidisciplinary Engineering Practice,” and Maggie attended the Board of Trustees meetings and spoke on a roundtable panel, “Women in Leadership.”

TERRA Engineering, Ltd. is a full-service, woman-owned engineering firm serving clients since 1992. With offices in Chicago, Peoria, Oak Park, Grayslake, Milwaukee and St. Louis. TERRA provides high-quality services for client-specific solutions within scope, budget and schedule. For more information about TERRA, call 312.467.0123 or visit us online at www.terraengineering.com.

Photos by: Event Photography of North America Corporation (EPNAC)

For More Information
Lynn Kessen
Director of Marketing & Strategic Planning
Phone: 312.467.0123
Email: lkessen@terraengineering.com

 



 

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TERRA Engineering, Ltd. Presents at IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference | January 25, 2019

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TERRA Engineering, Ltd. Presents at IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference

Friday, January 25, 2019

CHICAGO – The Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) held its annual Soaring to New Heights Conference at Hyatt Regency Chicago from January 24th through the 26th. TERRA’s Project Manager Dave Landeweer, PE, ENV SP discussed the design and construction of the 26-mile Cal-Sag Trail on Friday, January 25. During the session, “Cal-Sag Trail Coalition: Building the Partnership to Build the Trail,” he demonstrated how the coalition was formed, mechanisms used to build the trail, the issues encountered working across multiple jurisdictions, and the fun that the coalition had along the way. Landeweer was joined by Steve Butchel, Friends of the Calumet-Sag Trail board member; Mike Leonard, Channahon Park District’s executive director; and Jeannette Huber, Alsip Park District’s director of parks and recreation.

TERRA Engineering, Ltd. is a full-service, woman-owned engineering firm serving clients since 1992. With offices in Chicago, Peoria, Oak Park, Grayslake, Milwaukee and St. Louis. TERRA provides high-quality services for client-specific solutions within scope, budget and schedule. For more information about TERRA, call 312.467.0123 or visit us online at www.terraengineering.com.

For More Information
Lynn Kessen
Director of Marketing & Strategic Planning
Phone: 312.467.0123
Email: lkessen@terraengineering.com

 



 

 

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