Olmsted's Elmwood

The fascinating story of the historic Elmwood District, named one of America’s top ten neighborhoods, is told for the first time. From Joseph Ellicott's arrival in Buffalo, New York and his radical radial street grid, through the role played by Fredrick Law Olmsted and his unique parks and parkways, discover the powerful stories of those who created a fabulous neighborhood using Olmsted’s blueprint for gracious living. Then follow the devastating 50-year decline that boarded up mansions and emptied the rust belt city, reducing it to a shadow of its Gilded Age size and prominence. Find out how the Elmwood District, now on the National Register of Historic Places, survived intact until the desire for walkable neighborhoods and its passionate residents sparked the remarkable renewal that is underway today. The authors suggest that Elmwood be considered a model for America’s cities, and look into the neighborhood’s future as it grapples with growth.