Reviving a Living Work of Art
Olana State Historic Site preserves a uniquely American cultural resource for the people of New York State. Olana is of exceptional statewide and national significance as the residence, studio and artist-designed landscape of famed Hudson River School painter Fredric Church. It was home of the Church family, and it exists today as a large-scale work of art and public park.
The LA Group, in collaboration with Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects developed a master plan that marries the historical character/significance and traditions of Olana in a forward thinking approach that responds to patrons within a sustainable blueprint.
Scope of work included investigation and programming, design and visioning, master plan and report, and facilitation of meetings and workshops. The LA Group is also providing design and construction documents for a series of house environs and farm complex improvements.
The project was the subject of the 2017 ASLA Honor Award – National Chapter, the 2017 ASLA Merit Award – NY Chapter, and the 2016 ASLA Merit Award – VA Chapter.
The Master Plan Includes:
- Market analysis
- Viewshed analysis
- Cost analysis
- Phasing and implementation strategies
The Master Plan also includes guidelines for the:
- Farm complex
- House environs
- Visitor center
- Maintenance/service areas
- Visitor circulation
- Events
- Woodlands restoration
- Site lighting and furnishings
- Plantings
