Nature By Design
In 1857, Almerin Hotchkiss created a town plan for Lake Forest – curvilinear, park-like, embracing the ravines and unique terrain – that made it one of the first large-scale designed suburbs in the country. From this foundation, an essential community dialogue formed: a people who shaped the land, and a land that inspired the people.
The natural setting drew landscape architects and gardeners, who sought to showcase and frame its beauty, giving rise to a national reputation.
As the land transitioned – from farm to gentleman farm to subdivision, from expansive estate to homes on smaller lots, from hunting grounds to corporate headquarters – careful attention to planning, land use, parks, and open space arose alongside.
And forest and bluff, savannah and beach, ravine and river have ebbed and flowed through this nature by design.
Nature By Design
In 1857, Almerin Hotchkiss created a town plan for Lake Forest – curvilinear, park-like, embracing the ravines and unique terrain – that made it one of the first large-scale designed suburbs in the country. From this foundation, an essential community dialogue formed: a people who shaped the land, and a land that inspired the people.
Gentleman Farms, Grand Estates, Gardens & Garden Clubs
Glaciers, Ravines, The Lake and The Forest
Landscape Architects & Planning Groups
Managing Land Development
Parks & Land Preservation