Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc.

- 1765 N Elston Ave UNIT 203, Chicago, IL 60642

In the dynamic and space-conscious environments of Chicago and the surrounding Illinois region, transforming an exterior area, especially an elevated space like a rooftop or a compact urban lot, requires more than just gardening—it requires a specialized general contractor. Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc. (CSG) is an established and award-winning firm that operates as a full-service 'Design & Build' contractor, specifically excelling in complex outdoor environments. They bridge the gap between creative landscape architecture and technical construction, offering clients a single, accountable source for realizing ambitious outdoor visions.

CSG's specialty lies in creating complete, integrated outdoor living spaces. This ranges from traditional front and back yards to highly technical projects like sophisticated Roof Gardens, custom Decks And Terraces, and Outdoor Kitchens. Their model is to take a project from the initial landscape design and concept planning phase all the way through construction and installation, and finally to ongoing maintenance. This comprehensive approach is particularly beneficial in the city where structural considerations, permitting, and space limitations demand a high degree of technical skill alongside aesthetic design.

However, prospective clients in Illinois must weigh the firm's long history and reputation for delivering stunning results against recent and serious reported issues regarding project management and professionalism. Long-term clients praise their creativity, responsiveness, and ability to execute complex projects, such as a self-flushing dog relief area on a 4th-floor deck. Conversely, a detailed, multi-year project review raises red flags about communication failures, invoicing discrepancies (what CSG allegedly termed "typos"), costly demolition mistakes (like removing existing plumbing), delayed scheduling due to unchecked material deliveries, and a reported lack of follow-up from the owner. These accounts indicate a high degree of variability in the client experience, particularly on large-scale construction projects.

Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc. is conveniently headquartered in a key area of Chicago, providing them with efficient access to projects across the city and surrounding suburban communities throughout Illinois. Their office details are:

• 1765 N Elston Ave UNIT 203, Chicago, IL 60642, USA

Located in the Goose Island / Clybourn Corridor area, the firm is well-positioned for easy travel to urban, residential, and commercial job sites. Importantly for clients, the facility features a Wheelchair accessible entrance, reflecting a commitment to general accessibility and ease of service, though appointments should be made in advance as this is primarily a design and administrative hub.

CSG operates with a multidisciplinary team, capable of handling virtually every aspect of a high-end exterior project. Their services, combining Landscape Architect expertise with General Contractor execution, include:

• Design & Build Projects: Full Construction And Installation services for Gardens Landscape, New Construction, and large Build Projects, specializing in Urban Design and Sustainable Building practices.
• Hardscape and Elevated Construction: Expertise in Roof Garden and Patio Deck installation, Decks And Terraces, Custom Concrete work, Porcelain Tile installation, and the construction of Shade Structures and Cedar Pergola elements.
• Custom Outdoor Living Features: Installation of specialized elements such as Outdoor Kitchens, Water And Fire Features, Garden Planter boxes, and the integration of Gardens Furniture.
• Integrated Systems: Design and installation of comprehensive Lighting And Irrigation solutions, including Drip Irrigation, Irrigation Systems, Night Lighting, and Landscape Lighting Maintenance.
• Horticultural and Specialty Gardens: Creation of Specialty Gardens, including Native Plantings, Synthetic Turf, and offering expert Horticultural Services, Tree & Shrub Pruning, and Garden Design.
• Maintenance and Seasonal Care: Scheduled Maintenance Visits, Ongoing Maintenance programs, Garden Maintenance, Seasonal Annuals planting, Power Washing, and Holiday Décor installation.
• Urban and Functional Solutions: Solutions for tight urban spaces and complex installations, often requiring a structural analysis and City permitting management, which they handle as part of their comprehensive Design & Build process.

As a leading firm for design and construction in the Chicago outdoor space market, Chicago Specialty Gardens offers several unique and compelling features:

• Urban & Rooftop Specialization: They are recognized specialists in the complex challenges of urban and elevated gardens, including rooftop decks and terraces, where structural and weight limitations are critical factors.
• Comprehensive Design-Build Model: Offering an end-to-end service from initial consultation and Landscape Architect planning to final installation and maintenance, simplifying the process for the client.
• High-End and Custom Features: Known for integrating luxury features such as Custom Concrete, Outdoor Kitchens, Water And Fire Features, and automated systems like Drip Irrigation and LED Lighting.
• Long-Term Client Loyalty: The company has maintained key partnerships with clients dating back to 1997, demonstrating a long history of delivering quality and creative solutions that evolve with a client's living situation.
• Technical Problem-Solving: Proven ability to develop custom, specialized solutions for unique residential needs, such as a self-flushing dog relief area on a 4th-floor terrace.
• Accessibility Commitment: Their office includes a Wheelchair accessible entrance, a small but important detail reflecting attentiveness to client needs.
• Contrasting Reputation: Despite a strong track record of creative work, recent reviews suggest severe organizational issues, including inconsistent invoicing, costly errors in demolition and installation, and poor communication, which prospective Illinois clients must fully investigate before committing to a project.

Illinois residents considering a specialized outdoor design and build project, particularly those involving urban or rooftop spaces, can reach Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc. using the following contact details:

• Address: 1765 N Elston Ave UNIT 203, Chicago, IL 60642, USA
• Phone: (773) 697-9897
• Mobile Phone: +1 773-697-9897

For Illinois users, what is definitively worth choosing about Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc. is their expertise in complex, high-end, urban "Design & Build" projects. If your project involves a rooftop, a deck over a finished living space, custom structural work like a Cedar Pergola, or integrating luxury elements like an Outdoor Kitchen, their extensive experience as both a Landscape Architect and a construction firm is a powerful asset. They possess the necessary design vision and technical capability to navigate the structural, permitting, and space challenges unique to Chicago, transforming overlooked spaces into gorgeous, livable extensions of your home.

The testimonials from long-standing clients affirm their talent for creativity and collaboration, which is invaluable in achieving a highly personalized result. The firm is demonstrably capable of delivering exceptional, custom features that drastically improve the quality of urban outdoor life.

However, the stark contrast in customer experiences—from two decades of excellent service to a recent detailed report of costly, systemic organizational and management failures—means an Illinois client must choose CSG with extreme caution and proactive management. It is worth choosing them for their superior technical skill and design vision, but it is critical to mitigate risk by insisting on clear, detailed, and binding contracts, a project schedule with built-in material verification checkpoints, and a commitment to communication from a principal project manager. Given the high stakes of complex construction, a thorough investigation of their current project management protocols is essential for anyone considering investing a significant amount in their high-end services.

Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc.

1765 N Elston Ave UNIT 203, Chicago, IL 60642, USA