Fast 5: No. 5 - Cardinal State

Listed fifth on Lawn & Landscape and Professional Landscape Design’s Fast 5 Design/Build States list, Illinois sees continuing growth. Illinois is No. 5 for population size and expansion, as well as for number of business sites and state GDP. In terms of housing unit growth, Kendall and Will counties were on the U.S. Census Bureau’s list of 100 fastest growing counties. Major metro Chicago gained the top spot in Site Selection magazine’s Top Metropolitan Areas with 236 corporate facility projects recorded in 2007 out of a statewide 362, including a large IKEA warehouse. Naperville hosted 116 business start-ups in 2007 and the nearby Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory ensures a well-educated and well-paid population.

“Chicago is definitely trending upward,” said Dr. William Fruth, owner of independent research firm POLICOM, in Site Selection’s March report. “They are having very good growth in the quality of their economy. Their standard of living is growing. Per capita income is increasing and is now very high. Plus, there has been a significant improvement in job quality, meaning higher-wage employment.”
All of these factors translate into work for design/build contractors.

Jay Rients, commercial sales manager for Unilock, a paving stone manufacturer based in Aurora, Ill., says he has seen two major trends in the past few years. First is the increased use of permeable pavers, which have seen universal acceptance in commercial projects, but are seeing substantial growth in Illinois residential plans.

Another trend, also particularly in Illinois, is in the outdoor living category with kitchens, fireplaces and living areas. Homeowners are requesting these amenities in new home plans and incorporating them into upgrades. The commonplace patio and walkway is being replaced with lavish designs, bringing elements such as paving stones, walls and other hardscape work into areas where families spend increasing amounts of time.

“The quality and type of work we’ve seen has improved a tremendous amount over the years,” Rients confirms.
 
Gina Shad of J.B. Brickworks in Mundelein, says her business has had a great year. Major metros and neighboring towns are remodeling to bring business in. Many projects include brick and natural stone installation to improve beauty and longevity.

She also sees homeowners remodeling their existing homes, rather than moving to new homes. The addition of outdoor rooms, including fireplaces, kitchens and bars, increases their investment and resale value.

The upscale North Shore area has been the foundation for Mariani Landscape, based in Lake Bluff. Owner Frank Mariani says hardscapes, including pools, water features, walkways, driveways, patios, tennis courts and garden structures, have always been a large part of his business. But, like other design/build contractors today, Mariani is concerned 2009 might not be as good of a year as 2008 because of economic conditions. But, he adds, “there is a good chance that business will be very good as homeowners cocoon and stay home to enjoy their gardens, meaning more opportunity for us.”