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Lake County approves $119,630 contract for sustainable landscape design at former Winchester House site
Summary
The planning committee approved a $119,630 contract with Living Habitats LLC for a phase‑1 sustainable landscape analysis and schematic design at the former Winchester House site; staff said native plantings and a phase‑2 implementation are possible after energy and budget approvals.
The Lake County Planning, Building, Zoning and Environment Committee on June 25 approved a contract with Living Habitats LLC of Chicago for a phase‑1 analysis and schematic design for sustainable landscaping at the former Winchester House site, county staff said. The contract amount is $119,630 and includes authorization of a line‑item transfer between general operating expense and the county administrator's office.
“This is a new agreement with Living Habitats for a phase 1 analysis and schematic design for the former Winchester House site only, focusing in on sustainable landscaping,” said Robin Groom, the county sustainability programs manager.
Committee members asked whether Living Habitats’ Chicago incorporation posed a problem and whether the firm had experience with native‑landscape projects. Robin Groom said the firm has a track record of projects in the Chicagoland area, including work with municipalities, park districts and forest preserve districts. Member Wasik asked whether the firm would present a sample plan; staff said the firm will prepare a proposed plan as part of phase 1 and the county may return with a separate phase 2 for implementation.
Members also asked whether the landscaping plan will prioritize native and pollinator plants and whether a construction budget range will be provided. Groom said the goal is to “uniformly use our native sustainable landscaping at this site” and that a new program request for fiscal year 2026 has been submitted; the specific implementation budget is to be determined once that request is approved.
A motion to approve the contract was made by Member Frank and seconded by Member Campos; the committee voted in favor and the motion passed.
Staff said the phase‑1 scope defines the design deliverables, meetings and site visits covered under the $119,630 contract, and that implementation and construction costs would be developed after energy and budget planning. The contract is expected to complete phase 1 within about six months, after which staff could seek authorization for a phase‑2 implementation contract if desired.
