Pioneer Information
Born in Frankfort, Indiana in 1887, Sheridan received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree in 1909 and Professional Civil Engineering degree in 1912 from Purdue University. Sheridan’s first foray into landscape architecture was a series of jobs in Indiana from 1910 to 1914. He worked at Central Station Engineering in 1910, T street L&W railroad in 1911, and the Park Board of Indianapolis until 1914. During this time Sheridan worked with famed designer George E. Kessler, gaining experience first as an engineering inspector and later as chief inspector for construction of the Capitol Street Bridge.
Following the outbreak of World War I, Sheridan spent two years in the army, eventually reaching the rank of Second Lieutenant. From 1921 to 1923, he served as Executive Secretary of the City Planning Commission for Indianapolis, resigning in 1923. Thereafter he continued to consult to the Park Board, building on George Kessler’s work to develop a comprehensive plan of park development in Indianapolis and Merion County. He promoted and expanded on Kessler’s park and boulevard plan for Indianapolis that ultimately encompassed 3400 acres. Throughout the 1920s Sheridan refined his design style, favoring integrated landscapes that complemented the surrounding architecture and nature. During this time he worked on numerous houses, estates, and even a golf course.
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, Sheridan retired from the partnership and contented himself with on and off planning and consulting work until his death in 1972.
