Riverside, IL – A Unique Olmsted Suburban Design

Frederick Law Olmsted is well known for his many park designs throughout the country.  Less well known is his design, relatively early in his career (1868), for the Chicago suburb of Riverside.  This talk will discuss both the Olmsted plan for this unique community as well as its current state 150 years later.  This plan, with its curved streets and many green spaces, served as a model for many suburban communities throughout the country. Most, however, fell short of the Riverside design.  The talk will serve as a preview of the trip to Riverside that the History Committee is planning on May 16.  It should also be an alternative for those unable to make the trip.

The speaker, Gil Walter, grew up in the area, and is familiar with many aspects of the village.