In 1916, Olmsted Brothers were hired to prepare proposals for the anticipated student population growth at Denison University. With John Charles Olmsted taking the lead, and working closely with architect Ernest Flagg, it took two years to create their General Plan for the University. John Charles wanted buildings to be in harmony with the area’s dramatic elevation changes, so he created a series of terraces along existing curves, placing the academic quad at the heart of the campus.
After John Charles’ death in 1920, Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and Edward Whiting took over the design. They implemented retaining walls and bridges in road planning to adjust to the area’s steep land. With expansion continuing even today, they are always respectful of John Charles’ balanced arrangement.
Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service