A testament of American values An examination of popular architectural styles used at American train stations starts with the nation’s infancy. More specifically, it begins in the mind of one of our founding fathers. Thomas Jefferson imagined a new kind of architecture . . . one that captured the democratic ideals of his young America. […]
Community
Police Station Architecture Design Tips: Part 2 (Site Selection)
When the time comes to choose a site for a new police station, cost is just one of many factors to consider. In our last post, we talked about promoting community connections by giving the police station a friendly face. However, before the discussions about building style and materials, municipalities that are building a new […]
Hyatt Place Royal Oak Construction Nears Completion
New hotel/mixed-use development to spark revitalization of Detroit suburb [Royal Oak, MI] – A new, 123-room Hyatt Place hotel is under construction in the lively Detroit suburb of Royal Oak. Topping off (i.e., placement of the roof deck and parapets) has been completed. The 100,000-square-foot select service hotel, led by Namou Hotel Group, showcases a […]
Element Moline Hotel Approaches Completion
Adaptive reuse project transforms 100-year-old landmark into stylish hotel that respects historic origins [Moline, IL] – Construction of Element Moline, the first Illinois hotel in Marriott International’s expanding Element Hotels portfolio, is nearing completion. The hotel is slated for opening in February, 2018. The adaptive reuse project converts the historic O’Rourke Building, a former Sears, […]
5 Ways to Tweak Workplace Environments to Improve Performance
A reality that can’t be overlooked: where we work impacts how we perform. Have you ever stepped back and assessed your workplace environment? Is it a vibrant, light-filled workplace where employees can quickly rearrange their spaces for spontaneous meetings? Or is it a dark, enclosed space in which employees remain fixed to their workstations? After […]
Beacon Place Breaks Ground on Waukegan Community Center Annex
Facility to bring Waukegan community center much-needed programmatic and storage space When Beacon Place began in late 2012, the founders had visions for programs that would serve local children and families. Since then, a once abandoned, dilapidated house has become a thriving community center that now serves over 700 kids and adults. Beacon Place offers […]
Police Station Architecture Design Tips: Part 1 (Community Connections)
The new face of police stations: strong and welcoming Not long ago, police stations were built to look like fortresses. Nothing about them said “Come in” or “We’re part of this community.” Rather, the message was, “Stay away.” A station does need to convey a sense of strength and permanence. Still, the love affair with […]
Beacon Place Community Center Benefits from Legat Architects’ ShareFest 2017
Oktoberfest-themed event combines camaraderie and creativity to raise $5,200 for Waukegan nonprofit community center [Gurnee, IL] – On October 5, the Oktoberfest spirit took over Legat Architects’ Gurnee, Illinois studio for ShareFest 2017. Over 100 people gathered amid the sounds of German Oompah and the aroma of grilled brats. Catenary lighting, craft beer, pumpkin pie, […]
Train Station Translation: A Lesson in Design Vocabularies
A train station’s style has a lot to say. Literally and figuratively, train stations connect municipalities. The station is the gateway to the tracks that lead people to other places. It is the face that a city or village shows to commuters, and, in many cases, an embodiment of a community’s values. Midwestern stations adopt […]
Beacon Place Expansion to Support Life Skills Development Programs in Waukegan
Legat Architects donates design to give a “hand up” to Waukegan community center [Waukegan, IL] – Many Waukeganites recognize “the big blue house” on McAlister Avenue as a welcoming place that is there to “give hope to dreams.” Beacon Place is a vacant house turned neighborhood community center that serves over 700 kids and adults […]
Achieve Hospitality Architecture That Impresses – Part 2: Customer and Context
Designing a hotel that outperforms competitors means listening to what both primary users and surrounding buildings have to say. The most prosperous hotels embrace local opportunities. They might, for instance, support a manufacturing district or link to a transit hub. Therefore, the challenge for architects is to design hotels that not only cater to the […]
Achieve Hospitality Architecture That Impresses – Part 1: Multigenerational Appeal, Local Connections
Did guests get the experience that they paid for? This question has long haunted hotel operators. Hotels generate an experience. The factors that contribute to that experience range from overall service and speed of check-in to dining and cleanliness. These things are critical, but it all starts with what creates the first impression: the facility. […]
