FGM Architects, Legat Architects, and Wight & Company join forces, donate facility assessment services to help Philip J. Rock Center & School for deaf-blind individuals obtain $6.5 million in state funding for ADA upgrades, system improvements, and envelope repairs When there is a competition to provide architectural services for Chicago-area preK-12 schools, the shortlisted candidates […]
COVID-19 and architecture: combating coronavirus by stepping outside
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, architects and building owners have an opportunity to step outside and look ahead to a post-coronavirus world. I’m going to level with you: I’ve been a pretty anxious person these days. I find myself obsessively checking epidemic trendlines, scrutinizing models, reading articles, and stress-watching the news . . . waiting for […]
Tom Kikta Celebrates 30 Years at Legat Architects
Tom Kikta’s three decades at Legat Architects leave trail of skilled architects, satisfied building owners, and reliable facilities. Right now, there are accomplished architects throughout the world who earned their stripes under the wing of Tom Kikta, a principal and project manager at Legat Architects. And there are more than 200 buildings that are dry, […]
Laraway School wins national Brick in Architecture Award
Unanticipated materials swap and unconventional brick arrangement at Laraway School lead to Brick Industry Association award for excellence in design Laraway School (Joliet, IL), like many schools, is a long, horizontal brick building. However, a closer look at the preK-8 school’s brick walls reveals something uncommon: whereas most schools have horizontal bricks, Laraway’s bricks are […]
Protecting small businesses while reopening during coronavirus pandemic
Safety and inclusivity for customers and waitstaff paramount as small businesses turn to outdoor dining during coronavirus pandemic Everyone recognizes this pandemic has been a challenge. However, not everyone recognizes just how much of a challenge it truly has been for small business owners. As communities are allowed to reopen, the business community and municipalities […]
Hyatt Place Chicago – Wicker Park Hotel and Rooftop Bar Construction Complete
Eight-story hotel with raised lobby, rooftop bar, and locally created artwork captures Wicker Park/Bucktown – Chicago vibe. [May 21, 2020] – Construction has finished at Hyatt Place Chicago – Wicker Park, a 99-room hotel in Chicago’s lively Wicker Park neighborhood. The eight-story hotel, located at the southeast corner of Ashland and North avenues, features a […]
Ascentra Credit Union headquarters a boon to the Bettendorf community
New light-filled headquarters a “living work of art” that demonstrates Ascentra’s commitment to community and employees, showcases the Mississippi River When people on Grant Street pass by Ascentra Credit Union’s new headquarters, they are likely to see a first-floor room whose bright orange and aqua walls set the backdrop for the activity within. What these […]
Mariano Azuela School Architecture Club celebrates 10-year anniversary
More than 400 students participate in club launched by principal and architect after 2010 completion of Mariano Azuela Elementary School on Chicago’s southwest side Two Mariano Azuela Elementary School students and architect Tom Kikta look over the rail on the school’s gym roof. The girls hold eggs surrounded by protective devices that they’ve made. Two […]
Live/work/play: the new town center experience
“How can we convince our target audience to stay with us longer?” “How do we develop a place with an identity?” We often get asked these questions by our clients. The new town center experience starts with a great first impression. Imagine pulling your car into a new development with established landscaping at the entry. […]
Legat Architects’ Robin Randall achieves educational planning distinction
Student learning first: Association for Learning Environments names Robin Randall one of only eight Accredited Learning Environments Planners in State of Illinois During a planning session for a high school facility upgrade, a community member shouted, “You are not tearing down our building! It’s a historic monument!” He then stormed out of the meeting. Architect […]
RiverStone Group’s new Davenport headquarters reinforces company’s legacy
RiverStone Group’s Davenport headquarters improves morale, attracts new talent, and sheds light on material producer’s products and 125-year history For more than a century, family-owned materials producer/distributor RiverStone Group has served the Quad Cities region of Illinois and Iowa. Evidence of the organization’s influence can be found throughout the area: the aggregate at most baseball […]
Turner Hall modernization showcases University of Illinois’ College of ACES
Renovation and expansion of 55-year-old Turner Hall created more student gathering areas for the University of Illinois’ College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign wanted to update Turner Hall to support the growing enrollment and technology needs of the university’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES). At […]
