SmithGroup, Firms of the Upper Mid-West
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Founded by architect, Sheldon Smith in 1853, our "born on" date might suggest that we're a traditional design and engineering firm, but we left old-fashioned mindsets at the curb decades ago. Today, SmithGroup is an award-winning, integrated multidisciplinary organization that employs research, data, advanced technologies, and design thinking to help clients solve their greatest challenges across these markets: Cultural, Healthcare, Higher Education, Government, Mixed-Use, Parks & Open Spaces, Science & Technology, Urban Environments, Waterfront, and Workplace.
Working across a network of 20 offices internationally, our team of 1,400 experts includes 94 landscape architects and 43 civil and coastal engineers. We are committed to excellence in strategy, design, and delivery-giving rise to new and innovative processes and methodologies that are redefining the way we work as teams.
The more complicated the project, the more apparent the skills of SmithGroup's landscape architects. Deftly resolving the multiple complexities of a project is where we shine, while creating places that add value to both human and natural communities. With a focus on our client's goals, each design is unique, respecting the natural and cultural context and expressing the program in a fresh, responsive, and inspired way that results
in meaningful places.
Milwaukee Lakeshore State Park, Milwaukee, WI
After completing the Milwaukee Lakefront Development Plan, SmithGroup provided start-to-finish planning, design, permitting, and construction documentation for a series of downtown lakefront projects celebrating the city's great lakes heritage and creating a new cultural and recreational tourism district directly adjacent to the downtown. The centerpiece for the waterfront vision was Lakeshore State Park a 17-acre man-made island that is Wisconsin's first urban state park.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Alumni Park and Memorial Union Terrace, Madison, WI
SmithGroup led the transformation of the UW-Madison Memorial Union parking lot into Alumni Park. As a destination open space on the university campus, Alumni Park provides an exclamation point to the newly reimagined East Campus Mall, connecting students and visitors to the Lake Mendota waterfront and the Memorial Union Terrace. Built over a subterranean semi-trailer turntable loading dock, the two-acre park features flexible open space and interpretive and commemorative art at UW-Madison's destination
waterfront space.
Dash-Park, Onalaska, WI
Dash-Park was created to help activate Downtown Onalaska and support local businesses. Inspired by the coulees of the Driftless Area, the unique sculptural space is filled with native planting, local stone, and wood elements to form a marquee destination to host events and provide a visual focal point. A new restaurant integrated into the park design offers seating that overlooks a performance area. As the lead design consultant, SmithGroup led the design concept as well as the multidisciplinary team of civil engineers, architects, structural engineers, and lighting designers, and along with the general contractor, was fully integrated into all phases of the project's design-build delivery process.
Wauwatosa 69th Street Center, Wauwatosa, WI
The design of the 69th Street Center in downtown Wauwatosa acts as "East Tosa's front porch." By transforming an existing surface parking lot into an energized pocket park, it provides the community with an attractive and interactive public space flexible enough to host a range of neighborhood events, provide outdoor seating for area businesses, and entice residents to sit and dine outside. The design includes custom benches, seating, signage, and lighting; a shade structure and outdoor string lighting; and custom bike racks that brand the East Tosa neighborhood.
US Bank Rooftop and Elevator Lobby, Madison, WI
SmithGroup renovated the existing 20,000-square-foot roof deck located on the fourth floor of the U.S. Bank building, a historically notable building situated on the beautiful Capitol Square. The new roof design transforms what was a previously unused roof into a space that can host large events or be used throughout the day for various activities. SmithGroup also redesigned the existing fourth floor elevator lobby to provide a seamless arrival experience to the rooftop. Featuring a retractable roof to shade the sun, this elevated public gathering space can be separated into unique spaces or unified to maximize use.
