By Dr. Jeff Bird—
MUNCIE, IN—People choose to live in places that have amenities that appeal to them. To continue our quest to gain population and attract business towards greater economic prosperity, quality of place will remain as an essential element of Muncie’s approach to accomplish our goals. Leaders are committed to continuing to invest in our quality of place, and those changes can be seen throughout our city. Much opportunity still exists to build on the positive changes that have taken place. Flatland Resources, and its owner Phil Tevis and his team have played a critical role in several projects already done, and many more to come. Flatland’s tangible work can be seen throughout Muncie and Delaware County.
Phil Tevis grew up in a western Chicago suburb near Geneva, IL. Immediate to his home was the Fox river, and a large county forest preserve. This was his playground and helped form a lifelong love of rivers and native lands. School was challenging for Phil, especially English and math, but he excelled in spatial projects and planning. He spent much of his childhood and adolescence on the waters of Fox river as he became enthralled with competitive canoeing, competing at a national level, with aspirations to make the Olympics.
The area surrounding his childhood home was also home to a Frank Lloyd Wright home, which he explored frequently as it was remodeled. This also eventually influenced his love of architecture. After graduating from high school, Phil attended Kishwaukee College nearly, obtaining an applied science degree in Ornamental Horticulture. He then matriculated to Ball State University to study architecture with a double major in Landscape architecture and Environmental Design.
Flatland evolved from Phil’s work as the project director to restore Oakhurst Gardens for the Ball family, which took almost 5 years to complete. This work spread to ongoing work on the grounds of Minnetrista Gardens. Phil credits his relationship with Frank and Rosemary Ball to much of his success leading projects in Muncie, and this relationship has extended almost 40 years as he and Flatland continue to help the Ball Foundations.
Phil and Flatland have done critical work on the Cardinal and White River Greenways, the Riverside trail, and the trails at Prairie Creek Reservoir. They have worked on projects for Redtail Conservancy, the Mitchell Outdoor play area, the Ross Community Center, and Walnut Street in downtown Muncie. Much work has also occurred at the newer Gateways to Muncie, including ongoing work at the Kitselman trailhead.
Rivers have always been an important part of Phil’s life, and that has remained a constant in his professional work as well. Phil is certified by the Rosgen Wildland Institute in fluvial hydrology which has helped him in his work in dam removal on the White River in Muncie and supported work to restore the White River, including access to the river and natural restoration of fish and mussels.
Phil feels strongly about improving the urban core of Muncie and pushes to add quality of place to increase housing and population locally and is dedicated to projects that enhance these exact hopes and dreams.
When you enjoy our trails, gateways and river, Flatland and Phil Tevis deserve our thanks and praise.
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