Project Details Page

synopsis

A residential development designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1880, Aspinwall Hill is located in Brookline, MA, on a hill along Beacon Street. The proposed plan (00622-9-sh2) for the 87-acre community consisted of approximately 45 lots for single family homes, connected by winding drives.

A residential development designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1880, Aspinwall Hill is located in Brookline, MA, on a hill along Beacon Street. The proposed plan (00622-9-sh2) for the 87-acre community consisted of approximately 45 lots for single family homes, connected by winding drives. Originally owned by local physician Dr. William Aspinwall and Boston University, the land was sold to the Aspinwall Land Company, who in turn hired the Olmsted Firm to design the subdivision. Only “3 miles from the State House in Boston” the treasurer of the land company described the barren landscape, stating “No roads other than old farm roads have been laid out – and as the property is well located and has many natural advantages, we wish to get the best advice possible.” [Caudler to FLO_1880-03-13_ LOC-OAR-A-im.2] Olmsted’s plans were never implemented, and much of Aspinwall Hill’s design is attributed to Ernest W. Bowditch.

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