Lawrence Sheridan (1887-1972)

Lawrence Sheridan
(1887-1972)

Having been born in Frankfort, IN (Clinton County), Lawrence Sheridan received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree in 1909 and Professional Civil Engineering degree in 1912 from Purdue University. He started as a landscape architect in 1910 with the Park Board of Indianapolis; during which time he worked for famed designer George E. Kessler (who designed the Crown Hill brick fence).

The time with Kessler offered Sheridan experience as an engineering inspector and inspector for construction of the Capitol Street Bridge. Sheridan designed many green spaces in the city, including the Kessler Boulevard and Park System and Lockefield Gardens, while also consulting for Crown Hill.

Sheridan served in both World War I and World War II in the Army Corps of Engineer, eventually attaining the rank of colonel.

He designed homes in Indianapolis for clients like the Ayres family: his design of “Walden” was featured in the American Landscape Architect in 1931. In later years, his company, Lawrence V. Sheridan and Son, merged to create Metropolitan Planners Inc. The firm focused on city planning around Indianapolis. In 1957, the American Institute of Planners awarded him their distinguished service award, honoring his work in over 100 communities.