Alleys in Place: The History and Rise of Alleys in Chicago
Alleys and other forgotten urban spaces have long interested me. Upon seeing the Green Alley in Detroit in 2013, I have studied and meditated on the idea of alleyways and their greater potential. Over the course of 2020, I plan to dig into Chicago’s alleys as a case study, and reconsider what this urban form... Read More
Categories: Alley's in Place, Ideas + Research
Rewilding: Models and Methodologies
At the Lakota Group we focus heavily on communication and engagement throughout our design and planning processes. Not only is it our job as landscape architects and urban planners to explore and create innovative solutions, but more importantly, we are charged with educating our clients and communities about best management practices and the value of... Read More
Categories: UncategorizedThe Suburban Side of Transit-Oriented Development
Over the past 25 years, The Lakota Group has planned and designed transit-oriented developments around the Midwest. And we continue to help communities to transform the areas around their stations into destinations, hubs of economic activity, and people-filled Places. These projects and our current work in Chicago, Naperville, Niles, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, and Deerfield... Read More
Categories: 25 Lakota, Ideas + ResearchAwards Season
We are excited to announce that The Lakota Group has received two American Planning Association Awards this year! The Peoria Avenue BRT Land Use Framework was selected for the APA-OK 2018 Outstanding Plan Award: Lakota helped implement a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service for Peoria Avenue, a main north-south corridor adjacent to downtown Tulsa.... Read More
Categories: Around the Office, Awards + Accolades25 Years of Downtown Plans
We’ve worked in downtowns across the country—large and small—to craft placemaking, transportation, and economic development strategies that provide both vibrant spaces for residents and destinations for visitors. Our downtown project experience includes design standards and form-based codes, public art and open space programming, streetscape planning and design, heritage tourism and Main Street planning, and signage... Read More
Categories: UncategorizedJoin us at the BARK(ing) Spot!
We are excited to announce that in celebration of PARK(ing) Day on September 21st, The Lakota Group will be transforming parking spaces on West Illinois Street into an urban oasis filled with adoptable dogs from The Anti-Cruelty Society. This temporarily-transformed space, the BARK(ing) Spot, will feature leafy landscaping; comfy places to sit and play; and... Read More
Categories: Uncategorized25 Years of Parks & Playgrounds
Since 1993, The Lakota Group has designed numerous parks across the Chicagoland area—from neighborhood playgrounds to entire park district comprehensive plans. Through every aspect of the process, we incorporate innovative, sustainable design and extensive community input. Check out just some of the parks and playgrounds we have worked on over the past 25 years! ... Read More
Categories: UncategorizedPark and Recreation Month Celebration Continues
For 25 years, we’ve been planning Park and Recreation Plans around the Midwest. We are closing out Park and Recreation month with some insight on how Lakota’s process has become more accessible, reliable, and even more engaging! Read More
Categories: Uncategorized25 Years of Parks and Rec Planning
For the last 25 years, Lakota has been working with communities across the country to transform parks, trails, waterfronts, and recreation fields into beautiful, active, and relaxing places for everyone. We’ve learned a lot along the way and have highlighted a few lessons learned from the firm’s top Parks and Rec planners. Read More
Categories: Uncategorized25 Years of Comprehensive Plans
Since 1993, comprehensive and regional planning has evolved from land use “bubble maps” to strategic thinking on community resiliency, placemaking, and quality of life. Comprehensive plans must also inspire communities to be stewards of their own future and active participants in implementation. Lakota has completed numerous comprehensive plan assignments over the years in large cities, small... Read More
Categories: 25 Lakota, Uncategorized
Newsiest of News
25 YEARS AND COUNTING: This year marks Lakota’s 25th anniversary, and we are celebrating with a #LAKOTA25 CAMPAIGN. A series of blog posts on the 25th of each month highlight the range of work we have done over the past 25 years, and what’s ahead for Lakota. Be on the lookout for social media posts... Read More
Categories: Around the Office
2018 Promotions
The Lakota Group is excited to announce the promotions of two of our long-time team members: KEVIN CLARK, PLA AICP joined Lakota in 2005 and has been serving as our Director of Design since 2015. As a newly-promoted Principal, Kevin will continue to oversee all design aspects of the firm, as well as lead urban... Read More
Categories: Around the Office25 Years of Awards
As we look back on the work we’ve done since our early days in 1993, we find projects that have been recognized again and again for their creativity and innovation in planning and design. Below is a list of 25 awards given to some of our favorite projects. North Center Senior Campus City of Chicago... Read More
Categories: 25 Lakota, Awards + Accolades