Étouffée, perfect circles, and fresh air: Legat Architects employees share COVID-19 quarantine experiences Legat employees have begun to gradually return to our Illinois and Ohio studios while adhering to CDC-recommended guidelines for reducing the spread of COVID-19. One thing we can’t refute (nor can anyone else): the last three months have been unlike any other. […]
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Newark High School Innovation Center gives students jump-start on STEM careers
Design minimizes costs to transform Newark High School’s underused library into in-demand Innovation Center and STEM makerspace in less than two months Last year, residents at the Inn at SharonBrooke in Newark, Ohio were delighted when six Newark High School students, accompanied by Newark City Schools Director of Curriculum and Staff Development Maura Horgan, stopped […]
Chicago-area architects unite to help Philip J. Rock Center & School obtain state funding
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, […]
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 […]
