Our History
On a cool, wet, fall evening in 1992, two young, up and coming, architects met with a builder to discuss plans to build a small retail plaza in Joliet. The architects did not know that this proposal was the first to be considered for the east side of Joliet – a section known for empty lots, economic disadvantage and gang activity – in over twenty years.
The builder’s excitement convinced the architects to take on what was their first solo project. With great enthusiasm, they designed a Spanish-style plaza with an arched portico and Spanish tile roofing. The four retail units created were immediately leased by a taqueria and a Mexican supermarket.
City officials took notice. The Joliet Park District planned and built a major addition to its recreation center directly across the street from the plaza.
A year later, the architects designed a larger plaza next to the first. This one included a laundromat, video store, hairstylist, and a restaurant. The shoppers came and the gangs and problems moved aside. The architects designed more stores and plazas and proposed others in this same section of the city. What had been a disturbing area steadily developed into a productive and economically viable community.
In 1998, the architects decided to name their venture United Architects. In August 2000, United Architects became incorporated as United Architects, Ltd., a professional service firm with a computerized office and support staff.
In late 2001, the firm moved to its present location on Plainfield Road.
The builder’s excitement convinced the architects to take on what was their first solo project. With great enthusiasm, they designed a Spanish-style plaza with an arched portico and Spanish tile roofing. The four retail units created were immediately leased by a taqueria and a Mexican supermarket.
City officials took notice. The Joliet Park District planned and built a major addition to its recreation center directly across the street from the plaza.
A year later, the architects designed a larger plaza next to the first. This one included a laundromat, video store, hairstylist, and a restaurant. The shoppers came and the gangs and problems moved aside. The architects designed more stores and plazas and proposed others in this same section of the city. What had been a disturbing area steadily developed into a productive and economically viable community.
In 1998, the architects decided to name their venture United Architects. In August 2000, United Architects became incorporated as United Architects, Ltd., a professional service firm with a computerized office and support staff.
In late 2001, the firm moved to its present location on Plainfield Road.