Dresser Estate Subdivision, Cambridge MA #07036
Type:
Subdivisions & Suburban Communitiesalternate name
location
synopsis
The plan of land in Cambridge, MA belonging to The Dresser Estate was drawn by the Olmsted Brothers in 1922 (plan 07036-2-pt1). The subdivision, known as Gray Gardens, consisted of 25 individual plots. The driveways and entrances to the houses were made “as narrow as possible” and the facades and garages were made “as attractive as possible.”
The plan of land in Cambridge, MA belonging to The Dresser Estate was drawn by the Olmsted Brothers in 1922 (plan 07036-2-pt1). The subdivision, known as Gray Gardens, consisted of 25 individual plots. The driveways and entrances to the houses were made “as narrow as possible” and the facades and garages were made “as attractive as possible” in order to create enjoyable views from the road onto each property. [P. Gallagher to Alvah Morrison_04-13-1922_LOC-OAR-B-R353_im.8] In regards to lawns, the design called for the plantings “to come forward along the lot lines in each case for about 20 feet” in order to “give a feeling of closing” and “to break up the straight line effect.” [Edward Whiting to Alva Morrison_10-28-1922_LOC-OAR-B-R353_im.22]
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Plans (36)
Documents See Research Instructions & Links in sidebar for additional information (2)
Type | Title | |
---|---|---|
Job fIle (LOC) | LOC_07036(1922-1925)_OAR-B-R353_mss52571.04660 | View |
ON website | Spotlight on Gray Gardens | View |
Links
To additional plans & images for this project:
Olmsted Archives - digital collection courtesy of NPS Frederick Law Olmsted NHS