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In 1912, The Olmsted Brothers were contacted by University of Pennsylvania with the request that they collaborate with the architecture firm of Paul Philippe Cret to create a future development plan for the campus. Agreeing to the partnership, the team prepared a preliminary report in 1913.

In 1912, The Olmsted Brothers were contacted by University of Pennsylvania with the request that they collaborate with the architecture firm of Paul Philippe Cret to create a future development plan for the campus. Agreeing to the partnership, the team prepared a preliminary report in 1913. In order to avoid the danger and noise caused by traffic on the adjacent road, they proposed the construction of either “A subway-elevated line on Woodland Ave” or “An elevated line by way of the “Upper Drive”. On the grounds of the college they suggested “to open through the heart of this territory and in its least expensive part a Mall or “College Avenue”, one hundred feet wide facing which could be built a number of University buildings.”. The plan also called for the addition of a minor campus, new dormitory group, and small plaza. The Olmsted and Cret plan was never realized. However, 19 years later Frederick Law Olmsted Jr, would play a minor role in planning the University’s Morris Arboretum (09331). [Paul Philippe Cret & The Olmsted Brothers to The University of Pennsylvannia_1913-06-07_OAR-B-R256-im.32,33&34]

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