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, […]
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COVID-19: an opportunity to reexamine educational environments
This isn’t just about virus-free schools: international forum unites school leaders and planners to consider the potential for pandemic to inspire positive change within school settings The topic that now dominates discussions among US school administrators is how to safely reopen schools while keeping kids safe. However, Legat Architects’ latest EDEngage session, which assembled an […]
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 […]
Student safety and momentum amid COVID-19 and financial upheaval
Caught between public health and economic crises, school district leaders join architects, interior designers, and engineers to explore ideas for preventing spread of COVID-19 among students while minimizing expenses. Here we are, more than two months after the coronavirus brought commerce to a virtual standstill, and yet uncertainty and mixed messages continue to afflict the […]
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 […]
As COVID-19 persists, school leaders discuss challenges of returning to class in fall
A tough road ahead as educators confront uncertainty, socioeconomic differences, scheduling concerns, and facilities obstacles amid COVID-19 pandemic It’s the first day of school! Friends reunite and hug or high-five. Kindergartners hold hands in a circle. Students sit side by side in gyms, auditoriums, or cafeterias to listen to their principals. Right? Not so fast. […]
Midwestern school superintendents discuss impact of COVID-19
Leaders of Illinois and Ohio school districts share challenges of continued learning amid COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the national school system. During a recent EDEngage session, Legat Architects hosted an online open forum that brought together Midwestern district superintendents to learn about the challenges that they’ve confronted with […]
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 […]
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 […]
