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synopsis

The New York City Department of Parks hired Frederick Law Olmsted in 1875 to draw plans for a portion of Bronx, NY, known as the 23rd and 24th Wards. The district included “the larger part of the great promontory, the shank of which is crossed by the line dividing Yonkers from New York, and which terminates three miles to the southward in the abrupt headland of Spuyten Duyvil.”

The New York City Department of Parks hired Frederick Law Olmsted in 1875 to draw plans for a portion of Bronx, NY, known as the 23rd and 24th Wards. The district included “the larger part of the great promontory, the shank of which is crossed by the line dividing Yonkers from New York, and which terminates three miles to the southward in the abrupt headland of Spuyten Duyvil.” Working alongside engineer J. James R. Croes, the collaborators designed several areas within the Bronx portion of Westchester County. The pair faced challenges due to the rugged surface “broken by ledges, and…numerous steep declictives on its hillside.” Winding and curving roads became a key feature of the residential communities such as Riverdale (06425), Jerome Avenue, and the Central District. [Report of the Landscape Architect and the Civil and Topographical Engineer _FLO & J.J. Croes_1876-21-11_p.252_HT]

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