Minnetrista is a central space for Muncie residents. Located along the White River, this space is home to the Ball Brothers mansions, a museum space, Nature Area, Oakhurst woods, and 40 acres of gardens. In the early 2000’s, Phil Tevis, founder of FlatLand Resources, worked directly on design and construction in multiple sections of the campus.

The Nature Area was built on the North end of campus in what used to be a gravel pit. Through Phil’s design, the area features a prairie, pond, and forest area for the Minnetrista’s outdoor educational events. Scattered throughout the woods are benches, tables, and nooks for gathering and nature play. With gravel, dirt, and stone paths scattered throughout, the Nature Area serves as an educational space for school tours and visitors alike.

Similarly, the design of Oakhurst gardens on Minnetrista’s campus was kept with nature in mind over 6 years. Phil’s involvement in this project as project director and manager was completed through employment with the Ball Brother’s foundation. Several brick mosaic paths curve through the historic Ball Brothers mansions and feature stops such as the Colonnade, Education Center, Dollhouse, Oakhurst Pond, and the Discovery cabin.

To maintain the flow of all of these attractions, Phil worked to redesign the boulevard in front of the houses to be a one-way street, later on he also brought the vision for the second version coupled with a bi-directional walking and biking path near the river while working in project management with the Cardinal Greenway. This project included paving, median landscaping, and along the White River in front of the houses. These multi-year projects worked to preserve historical landmarks and provide a place in the community for education, involvement, and culture.