Last updated: May 24, 2024
Place
Broadmoor Hotel
Olmsted Archives, Job #06451, Colorado Springs, CO
Quick Facts
Spencer Penrose already knew of Olmsted Brothers genius when they had designed his estate, El Pomar, in Colorado Springs. In 1918, Penrose reached out to Olmsted Brothers again, this time to bring that genius outside of his own house, and to the guests that were flocking to the area. Olmsted Brothers were tasked with designing the grounds to be as artistic, memorable, and unique as his resort, The Broadmoor.
John Charles Olmsted took lead on the design, with Edward Clark Whiting and James Frederick Dawson assisting. Utilizing native grass, flowers, and trees, the team designed elaborate gardens and walkways that both beautified and unified the hotel to its surroundings. Penrose spared no expenses, acquiring fountains and other details from New York.
While focused on the landscape, Olmsted Brothers also designed some architectural features, including metal lamp posts and terra-cotta vases still featured around the lake. For plantings around the site, Olmsted Brothers used 800 plants in the front garden alone, with pansies being the most planted flower at 828.
Source: "The Olmsted Brothers at the Broadmoor," Olmsted Network
For more information and primary resources, please visit:
Olmsted Research Guide Online
Olmsted Archives on Flickr
John Charles Olmsted took lead on the design, with Edward Clark Whiting and James Frederick Dawson assisting. Utilizing native grass, flowers, and trees, the team designed elaborate gardens and walkways that both beautified and unified the hotel to its surroundings. Penrose spared no expenses, acquiring fountains and other details from New York.
While focused on the landscape, Olmsted Brothers also designed some architectural features, including metal lamp posts and terra-cotta vases still featured around the lake. For plantings around the site, Olmsted Brothers used 800 plants in the front garden alone, with pansies being the most planted flower at 828.
Source: "The Olmsted Brothers at the Broadmoor," Olmsted Network
For more information and primary resources, please visit:
Olmsted Research Guide Online
Olmsted Archives on Flickr