Richardson Olmsted Complex South Lawn
Historic Olmstedian Landscape Restoration
Azar Design Co provided site/civil engineering design for the restoration and reinterpretation of a historic Olmsted landscape at the H.H. Richardson-designed State Mental Hospital, a National Register of Historic Places site in Buffalo. The project revitalizes a nine-acre South Lawn by removing two large parking lots at Richardson’s south entry and transforming the area into a vibrant, welcoming space for community gathering and recreation.
Azar delivered a new streetscape and park features, realigning the ring road and upgrading the stormwater system with rain gardens to improve drainage and water quality. The project features a granite and flagstone entry plaza complimenting the historic stonework of the Towers Building, linking to a new 1,300-foot pedestrian loop. Along the loop, the landscape enriches the visitor experience with detailed features including a pedestrian bridge inspired by Olmsted’s iconic stone bridges. Landscape renewal includes planting 125 new trees to complement the inventory, creating open canopied spaces with scenic views of the Richardson buildings.
Hydrologic and hydraulic analyses for green infrastructure elements include a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) meeting regulatory requirements, while new utility systems update aging infrastructure.
Azar’s survey team provided topographic, utility, and boundary surveys while the civil team served as local lead for construction administration, ensuring historical integrity and design vision were successfully executed through final construction.