about us
We specialize in high-impact adaptive reuse, community-led housing, and urban innovation projects. In addition to our design work, we operate as a strategic consultancy, providing expert guidance on urban planning, sustainability, and equitable land development. Beyond execution and advisory services, we are also a platform for thought leadership, bridging theory and practice in sustainable real estate, reparative urbanism, and spatial justice to drive meaningful change in the built environment.
At Mecca LLC, we transform properties into profitable assets while fostering community growth through education, compliance, and lasting relationships. Driven by a mission of economic empowerment, we create tangible pathways to wealth and mobility by reinvesting in communities, building high-quality affordable housing, and developing financial tools that support lasting success. With a community-centric approach, we ensure our investments are profitable and purposeful, leveraging data, local insights, and adaptive design to address today’s housing needs while unlocking scalable opportunities for a prosperous future.
We understand that the world is changing, and architectural needs are changing as well. We take on a variety of projects, in diverse sizes and for a wide variety of clients. For every project, we compose a team that is best suited for its needs and ensure that every question is answered, every possibility considered.
Teonna N. Cooksey, a Milwaukee native, is the Founder and CEO of Mecca LLC. She drives urban innovation through strategic real estate acquisitions and pioneering digital marketing campaigns. Her expertise encompasses advanced architectural design and urban planning, now enriched by her recently completed Master of Architecture and M.S. in Urban Planning degrees from Columbia University. She is profoundly committed to reshaping urban environments through community and economic development. She is passionate about leveraging technology and strategic relationships.
I founded Mecca Development to realize a new vision for community development—one that directly addresses the gaps I saw while living in Milwaukee, WI. I witnessed firsthand how Black women, in particular, were disproportionately affected by eviction due to unresolved maintenance issues, leading to a damaging cycle of disinvestment and displacement. With my background in architecture and urban planning, I felt compelled to create a solution that could break this cycle and foster stability. As I delved deeper into design, city planning, and community engagement, it became clear that we need more accessible pathways to investment in these critical areas. Mecca Development was born to serve as a catalyst for equitable community development, acting as a holding company that powers multiple initiatives aimed at revitalizing underserved neighborhoods and empowering residents.
European Architectural Award for Innovation
Architecture Award for Best Team Project
Excellence in Innovation & Renovation
Art Deco in Architecture - Notable Mention
Our team of architects comes from a wide variety of backgrounds and areas of expertise. We approach every project with freshness and vitality, and bring all of our skills to the table every time.