Projects
From initial site walks through implementation and long-term monitoring, Indigo Ecological Design pairs ecological expertise with design vision to bring ideas to life.
Sunnyside Park Sustainability Initiative
Bloomington, IL
Indigo led the concept development of the Sunnyside Park Sustainability Initiative, transforming underutilized land into an expanded neighborhood park in Bloomington. Adjacent to public housing and the future Boys & Girls Club, the park weaves together recreation, education, and ecological performance through a network of trails and boardwalks, immersive interpretive features, and integrated green infrastructure. A water play feature, two intimate amphitheaters, and an outdoor fitness area are embedded within restored native plant communities, positioning the park as a regional destination. Indigo also led the preparation of construction documents and will provide construction administration during construction in 2026.
Generation Park Green Infrastructure Design
Houston, TX
Generation Park is a 4,200-acre mixed-use development structured around a resilient, interconnected green infrastructure network. Indigo has supported the project through ecological planning, park and trail design, and long-term monitoring of restored native plant communities. Stormwater systems are designed as public amenities featuring organically shaped lakes, naturalized canals, and regional trails that provide flood mitigation while enhancing everyday recreation. Indigo’s work establishes a cohesive ecological framework that balances ecosystem health, public access, and long-term stewardship, positioning Generation Park as a model for development that supports people, wildlife, and economic vitality.
Saint Xavier University Ecological Master Plan
Chicago, IL
Indigo led the development of Saint Xavier University’s Ecological Master Plan, creating an implementation-ready framework that strengthens campus identity, sustainability, and student experience. The plan prioritizes ecological restoration, stormwater management, improved circulation, and outdoor learning opportunities through phased, realistic strategies. Developed through campus analysis and stakeholder collaboration, the master plan positions the landscape as critical infrastructure, enhancing biodiversity, resilience, and usability while aligning with university operations and long-term goals.
Homestead Restoration Master Plan
Libertyville, IL
Indigo developed a comprehensive restoration master plan for an 80-acre historic farm adjacent to regional conservation lands. The plan is grounded in a detailed natural resources inventory that informed restoration of woodlands, prairies, savannas, and wetlands while integrating regenerative agriculture and family recreation. Circulation weaves through restored landscapes, connecting gardens, orchards, and gathering spaces with surrounding ecosystems. The design balances ecological restoration with daily living, creating a resilient homestead that supports biodiversity, long-term stewardship, and immersive outdoor experiences for all generations.
Seven Bridges Ravine Restoration Plan
South Milwaukee, WI
Indigo prepared a restoration master plan for the Seven Bridges Ravine within Grant Park, addressing erosion, habitat loss, and trail safety caused by increased park use. The plan identifies prioritized projects for stream restoration, slope stabilization, trail improvements, and wayfinding. Through site analysis and collaboration with The Friends of Grant Park and Milwaukee County Parks, Indigo developed a phased strategy supported by cost estimates. The resulting plan guided grant applications and provides a clear roadmap for ecological recovery and long-term recreational sustainability.
Citizens for Conservation Seed Nursery and Demonstration Gardens
Barrington, IL
Indigo collaborated with Citizens for Conservation to develop a concept plan for a Seed Nursery and Demonstration Gardens at Hill ‘N Dale Preserve, a former horse farm now undergoing ecological restoration. Through site analysis and extensive stakeholder engagement, Indigo created a flexible landscape framework that supports native seed production, habitat restoration, and public education. The plan balances restoration goals with future infrastructure needs, including growing facilities and educational spaces, while creating a landscape that can evolve over time and serve as a regional hub for stewardship, learning, and community engagement.
Generation Park Streetscape Design Guidelines
Houston, TX
Indigo developed streetscape design guidelines for Generation Park that balance infrastructure requirements with walkability, tree preservation, and long-term landscape health. Working collaboratively with engineers and regulatory agencies, Indigo helped secure design variances that allow trees to thrive within utility corridors. The guidelines establish a cohesive framework for street character, planting, and pedestrian experience across the development. By prioritizing shade, connectivity, and ecological function, the standards support a more urban, human-scaled environment within a large-scale mixed-use context.
Gorman Heritage Farm Stormwater Wetlands
Cincinnati, OH
As part of Gorman Heritage Farm’s mission of environmental education and stewardship, a three-celled stormwater wetland system was designed to manage runoff from surrounding hillsides and farm operations. Indigo worked with Davey Resource Group to create a plan that improves water quality in the Mill Creek Watershed through sediment capture, nutrient uptake, and pollutant reduction. Limestone seepage walls extend stormwater drawdown while serving as pedestrian walkways that reflect the site’s historic character. Native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plantings establish functional wetland communities and support diverse microhabitats.
The Montessori School of Englewood Green Schoolyard
Chicago, IL
Indigo partnered with Depave Chicago and The Montessori School of Englewood (TMSOE) to transform a 12,000-square-foot asphalt playlot into a natural play and outdoor learning environment. The design replaces pavement with native plantings, shade trees, rain gardens, and nature-based play features that support exploration and ecological learning. Indigo provided design, documentation, and construction support in coordination with Chicago Public Schools. Alongside this project, Indigo also worked directly with TMSOE to design another nature-based play area north of the school which included a labyrinth, an orchard, a nature trail, and space for students to have their own farmers market.
Spring Trace Ponds Park
Houston, TX
Spring Trace Ponds transforms underutilized detention basins into an ecologically rich park system that connects neighborhoods, schools, and existing green space. Indigo reimagined the site as a series of naturalized ponds linked by trails, bridges, and outdoor learning areas. Native plant communities improve water quality, increase habitat, and provide shade along circulation routes. The project enhances flood infrastructure while creating a multifunctional park that supports recreation, education, and future development, turning constrained land into a valuable community and ecological asset.
Indian Creek Restoration
Oxford, OH
Working with Davey Resource Group, Indigo developed plans for wetland and stream restoration at Hoffman Farm along Indian Creek. The project stabilized approximately 1,000 linear feet of stream using bioengineered bank treatments, including regraded and vegetated slopes, fabric reinforcement, and a vegetated stone toe to reduce erosion and improve water quality. The design included riparian buffer establishment, native tree and shrub planting, and in-stream structures that enhanced habitat, sediment transport, and floodplain connectivity. The work improved nutrient reduction, habitat diversity, and long-term stream stability.
Service Wire Landscape
Houston, TX
Indigo Ecological Design developed a native prairie and planting plan for Service Wire’s Houston campus, transforming underperforming landscape areas into resilient, ecologically rich plant communities. The design balances seeded prairie systems with native plug plantings in high-visibility areas, while accounting for easements and future site expansion. Detailed construction documents and a long-term maintenance plan support successful establishment and lasting environmental performance.