Residential
Lighthouse Pointe PUD
Frankfort, Illinois
The beautiful rolling setting of Lighthouse Pointe gains much of its character from the wooded meanders of Hickory Creek, which flows through it. When complete, this 230 acre Planned Unit Development will offer single-family, duplex, townhome, and low-rise multi-unit housing options. To create this new neighborhood around the valuable resource of Hickory Creek required special provisions and procedures.
Conservation Easement Signage
at Lighthouse PointeDevelopment plans were submitted to and approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Village of Frankfort, and Frankfort Square Park District. The 25 acres of wetland and buffers along the creek and the 65 acres of naturalized storm water management areas are located within a protected conservation outlot.
LRMG provided all ecological design, restoration, enhancement, and new installation work in these areas. All design work required approval from the Village of Frankfort, Frankfort Square Park District, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Restoration included selective removal of invasive trees/brush and various methods of weed management. Enhancement involved planting new native trees, shrubs, plugs, and seed in existing degraded wetland areas. Storm water management areas received native seed and plug planting as well as bioengineered shoreline stabilizing materials, erosion control measures, and granite boulder rock work. These areas of improved wooded wetlands, emergent wetlands, and native prairie within the 90 acre conservation outlot are being monitored for performance assurance by LRMG. Monitoring reports will continue to be submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Village of Frankfort until these landscapes are established and accepted. Upon acceptance, the Frankfort Square Park District will take over the outlot’s long-term management. In addition to the 90 acres of naturalized landscape, LRMG was also responsible for the layout of the walking trail, selection of gazebo and arbors, and the naturalized planting design of the main entrance, cul-de-sacs, townhome, and senior housing areas.
Edgebrook
Bradley, Illinois
Edgebrook Erosion Blanket InstallationStorm water detention in this residential development is addressed in naturalized ponds with wide wetland edges and prairie planted slopes. These ponds and the adjacent floodplain along an existing creek form the portal open space for the first phase of a creek side trail system.
Two Weeks After Installation
Waterstone of Frankfort
Frankfort, Illinois
It is the abundant natural and recreational amenities that give this residential development its special character. Wetland fringed open water, sweeps of prairie, inviting community greens, and a centrally located gathering space define its image. The natural areas will provide wildlife habitat and native seed banks that will enrich the biodiversity of the neighborhood and the downstream creek corridor. The integrated community greens and trail system invite families to come outside for spontaneous healthy activities close to home.
Waterstone Landscape Plan
Bowen’s Crossing
Frankfort, Illinois
The unique features of this townhouse development is inspired by the nearby downtown historic district and Frankfort Prairie Park. Prairie, wetland, and native trees buffer the homes from the surrounding streets. At the interior of the development, two features call attention to the area’s natural and cultural heritage. A “prairie fire” garden, laced with gravel paths and benches, blazes with color in the project’s central square. Along the adjacent bike path, a historically inspired community space invites reflection. From the comfort of benches beneath its vine covered pergola, residents can view a late 1800’s plow and a miniature rendition of the original town plat [created by Mr. S.W. Bowen] in stone pavers and benches.