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Project: Planning

Virginia City Feasibility Study

This effort involved identifying and addressing accessibility for downtown Virginia City Montana, one of the state’s most significant historic mining towns and visitor destinations. An urgent need to provide accessibility to the town’s Opera House led to preparation of this plan and associated recommendations which included:

Strategic placement of ramps to improve accessibility, mobility and maneuverability along Wallace Street, the main corridor through town.

Maintaining the significant historic character of the downtown defined by the architecture and streetscape.

Incorporating and celebrating many of the town’s existing design features including the boardwalks and hitching rails

Consideration of the surface stormwater given the lack of subsurface conveyance systems

Identifying the variety of vertical grade change conditions between the walk surfaces and the street level

Recommendations for improving the overall aesthetics

Recommendations for placement of crosswalks for pedestrian safety

Selection of materials for surface pavements, railings, curbs and building thresholds to coalesce with the existing historic vernacular

PROJECTS / Planning

Virginia City Feasibility Study

This effort involved identifying and addressing accessibility for downtown Virginia City Montana, one of the state’s most significant historic mining towns and visitor destinations. An urgent need to provide accessibility to the town’s Opera House led to preparation of this plan and associated recommendations which included:

  • Strategic placement of ramps to improve accessibility needs, mobility and maneuverability along Wallace Street, the main corridor through town
  • Maintaining the significant historic character of the downtown defined by the architecture and streetscape
  • Incorporating and celebrating many of the town’s existing design features including the boardwalks and hitching rails
  • Consideration of the surface stormwater given the lack of subsurface conveyance systems
  • Identifying the variety of vertical grade change conditions between the walk surfaces and the street level
  • Recommendations for improving the overall aesthetics
  • Recommendations for placement of crosswalks for pedestrian safety
  • Selection of materials for surface pavements, railings, curbs and building thresholds to coalesce with the existing historic vernacular





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White River Visions Plan

Landstory was a consultant to Agency Landscape + Planning for White River Vision Plan in Marion and Hamilton Counties.

The study focused on existing and proposed pedestrian trail and greenway connectivity opportunities for 58 miles of the White River with an emphasis on providing for greater access and visibility of the river, enhancing existing pedestrian ways and provide a better understanding of the ecological features and  sensitivities. One challenge, given the varied, existing natural and built environments along the river, was the development of a vernacular to establish a consistent look and character.

Extensive public meetings were held to inform the general public, businesses and institutions to garner broad and meaningful input.  The collective results served as a framework for short and long term design and development recommendations currently underway.

PROJECTS / Planning

White River Vision Plan

Landstory was a consultant to Agency Landscape + Planning for White River Vision Plan in Marion and Hamilton Counties.

The study focused on existing and proposed pedestrian trail and greenway connectivity opportunities for 58 miles of the White River with an emphasis on providing for greater access and visibility of the river, enhancing existing pedestrian ways and provide a better understanding of the ecological features and  sensitivities. One challenge, given the varied, existing natural and built environments along the river, was the development of a vernacular to establish a consistent look and character.

Extensive public meetings were held to inform the general public, businesses and institutions to garner broad and meaningful input.  The collective results served as a framework for short and long term design and development recommendations currently underway.





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Lebanon Big 4 Trail Master Plan

Schematic design for a segment of the 2/3-mile Big Four Trail in Lebanon, Indiana

Effort identified a schematic trail alignment, garnered stakeholder and public input and consensus for finalizing the trail vernacular

Trail planning and design needs included determining access points, parking, connections between trail and Lebanon destinations, right-of-way crossings, bikeways and incorporation of current signage and wayfinding

Considerations for subsequent and future trail segments

Design recommendations included site furnishings, specialty pavements, plantings, benches, lighting and crosswalks

PROJECTS / Planning

Lebanon Big 4 Trail Master Plan

Landstory partnered with an engineering consultant to prepare a schematic design for a segment of the 2/3-mile Big Four Trail in Lebanon, Indiana.  The schematic design included a proposed trail planning and alignment, trail vernacular including site furnishings, specialty pavements, plantings, benches, lighting and crosswalks.  Trail planning and design needs included determining trail access points, parking needs, connecting the trial to Lebanon destinations, right-of-way crossings, incorporating existing signage  and wayfinding, and considering future trail segments.  Stakeholder and public input were an important part of this project during the design process.   



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Advance ECI Regional Development Plan

Economic Development Plan for Blackford, Delaware, Henry, Jay, Madison and Randolph counties with focus on regional trail network connections.

The  primary  goal  of  this study was  to  evaluate  existing  trail  facilities  and  potential  trail  opportunities in a six county area in east central Indiana.  With  an  emphasis  on  connectivity and working with economic development specialists, the Landstory team hit the road to identify existing and planned trail systems and develop strategies for greenway and trail connections. Over the  course  of  several  weeks  meetings  were  held  with the public, local  economic development groups  and  trail  groups  in  each  county  to  discuss  existing  trail  facilities to identify opportunities, garner input and gain consensus in anticipation of securing funding for implementation.

PROJECTS / Planning

Advance ECI Regional Development Plan

Economic Development Plan for Blackford, Delaware, Henry, Jay, Madison and Randolph counties with focus on regional trail network connections.

The  primary  goal  of  this study was  to  evaluate  existing  trail  facilities  and  potential  trail  opportunities in a six county area in east central Indiana.  With  an  emphasis  on  connectivity and working with economic development specialists, the Landstory team hit the road to identify existing and planned trail systems and develop strategies for greenway and trail connections. Over the  course  of  several  weeks  meetings  were  held  with the public, local  economic development groups  and  trail  groups  in  each  county  to  discuss  existing  trail  facilities to identify opportunities, garner input and gain consensus in anticipation of securing funding for implementation.







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Corporate Headquarters – Carmel

One of the few remaining large properties along US31/Meridian Street corridor in Carmel, Indiana was the site for a new office building slated for a large, Indiana corporate headquarters.

From the onset, the client’s primary goal was the preservation and protection of the existing and significant large trees and vast understory.  The new 4-story building was carefully sited accordingly, while still allowing for a clear view from US31 and Illinois Street.  The parking garage was located partially underground but screened.  The design of the onsite retention basin called for extensive native plantings.

The proposed trail system wound through the property and around the retention pond.  The landscape architecture and architecture design also included custom design features and amenities including use of natural materials corresponding to the nature of the business.

PROJECTS / Planning

Corporate Headquarters – Carmel

One of the few remaining large properties along US31/Meridian Street corridor in Carmel, Indiana was the site for a new office building slated for a large, Indiana corporate headquarters.

From the onset, the client’s primary goal was the preservation and protection of the existing and significant large trees and vast understory.  The new 4-story building was carefully sited accordingly, while still allowing for a clear view from US31 and Illinois Street.  The parking garage was located partially underground but screened.  The design of the onsite retention basin called for extensive native plantings.

The proposed trail system wound through the property and around the retention pond.  The landscape architecture and architecture design also included custom design features and amenities including use of natural materials corresponding to the nature of the business.


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