The Indiana Street Residence is located on the charming 400 block of Indiana Street in Lawrence’s historic Pinckney neighborhood. Adjacent to a canopy of mature trees, the site offers a unique setting for a single-family home in the heart of the city. Lawrence Memorial Hospital, downtown shops and restaurants, and cultural attractions are just blocks away. The nearby Kansas River and its waterfront parks offer access to recreation, while the 22-mile Lawrence Loop provides a connection to the city’s bike network. The neighborhood is also pedestrian-friendly and connected to the city bus system, making it easier to travel without a car. The project brings together Lawrence’s history and the future of sustainable design.

Although the lot was overgrown, it had never been developed. A large, tree-covered stormwater swale adjacent to the site lies within a flood zone, with a small portion extending into the building area. Rather than viewing this as a limitation, Studio 804 preserved the swale’s stormwater management function while taking advantage of the mature vegetation that had grown undisturbed for decades. A stormwater easement eliminates the alley typically found behind Lawrence properties, allowing the wooded area to function as an extended, secluded backyard. The home’s views and outdoor gathering spaces are oriented to take advantage of this natural setting.

Studio 804’s 2024 project supports the City of Lawrence’s long-term commitment to sustainable development. As the population of Douglas County grows, household sizes decrease, and vacant land within city limits becomes more limited, infill development offers a way to accommodate housing needs while reducing outward sprawl. Community engagement has shown support for smaller lots and homes, while the city’s Horizon 2040 plan prioritizes infill development and increased density in established neighborhoods such as Pinckney.