Richardson Olmsted Complex: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 00:50, 9 December 2024

The Richardson Olmsted Complex, also known as the Buffalo State Hospital, is a historic building complex located in Buffalo, New York. It was originally designed as a state-of-the-art mental health facility in the late 19th century. The complex is a significant example of the Kirkbride Plan and is noted for its architectural style, which is Richardsonian Romanesque.

History[edit]

The Richardson Olmsted Complex was commissioned in the 1870s as part of a movement to improve the treatment of the mentally ill. The design was a collaboration between the renowned architect Henry Hobson Richardson and the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who was responsible for the grounds and landscaping.

The complex was originally known as the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane and was part of a broader trend in the United States to create more humane and therapeutic environments for mental health treatment. The design followed the Kirkbride Plan, which emphasized natural light, ventilation, and a structured environment.

Architecture[edit]

The architectural style of the Richardson Olmsted Complex is Richardsonian Romanesque, characterized by its massive stone walls, rounded arches, and grand towers. The main building, known as the "Administration Building," is flanked by two large towers and features a central pavilion with a steeply pitched roof.

The complex originally consisted of several interconnected buildings arranged in a V-shape, with the central administration building at the apex. This layout was intended to provide a sense of order and calm, with each wing housing different patient populations.

Restoration and Current Use[edit]

In the late 20th century, the complex fell into disrepair and was largely abandoned. However, efforts to preserve and restore the buildings began in the early 21st century. The Richardson Olmsted Complex has since been partially restored and repurposed.

Today, the complex houses the Hotel Henry Urban Resort Conference Center, which occupies part of the historic buildings. The site also includes event spaces and the Lipsey Architecture Center Buffalo, which offers exhibits and educational programs related to architecture and design.

Significance[edit]

The Richardson Olmsted Complex is a National Historic Landmark and is considered one of the most important examples of 19th-century mental health architecture in the United States. It represents a significant collaboration between two of the most influential figures in American architecture and landscape design, Henry Hobson Richardson and Frederick Law Olmsted.

Also see[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[file:_Buffalo_State_Asylum_for_the_Insane_-_1.JPG|thumb| Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane - 1]] [[file:Hotel_Henry_crop.jpg|thumb| Hotel Henry crop|left]] [[file:HH_Richardson_Complex.jpg|thumb|HH Richardson Complex]] {{Infobox building
+[[File:HH Richardson Complex.jpg|thumb]] {{Infobox building
 | name = Richardson Olmsted Complex
-| image = Richardson_Olmsted_Complex.jpg
+| location = Buffalo, New York, United States
-| caption = The Richardson Olmsted Complex in Buffalo, New York
-| location = [[Buffalo, New York]]
-| coordinates = {{coord|42|55|24|N|78|52|10|W|type:landmark}}
 | architect = [[Henry Hobson Richardson]]
-| architecture_style = [[Richardsonian Romanesque]]
+| style = [[Richardsonian Romanesque]]
-| built = 1870-1896
+| completion_date = 1870s
-| added = [[National Register of Historic Places|NRHP]] in 1973
+| current_use = Hotel, Event Space, Museum
-| refnum = 73001187
-| designated_other1 = [[National Historic Landmark]]
-| designated_other1_date = 1986
 }}
-The '''Richardson Olmsted Complex''' is a historic building complex located in [[Buffalo, New York]]. It was designed by prominent architect [[Henry Hobson Richardson]] in the [[Richardsonian Romanesque]] style and constructed between 1870 and 1896. The complex originally served as the [[Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane]], a state-of-the-art mental health facility.
+The '''Richardson Olmsted Complex''', also known as the '''Buffalo State Hospital''', is a historic building complex located in [[Buffalo, New York]]. It was originally designed as a state-of-the-art mental health facility in the late 19th century. The complex is a significant example of the [[Kirkbride Plan]] and is noted for its architectural style, which is [[Richardsonian Romanesque]].
-== History ==
+==History==
-The Richardson Olmsted Complex was part of a broader movement in the late 19th century to improve the treatment of the mentally ill. The design of the complex was influenced by the [[Kirkbride Plan]], which emphasized the importance of natural light, ventilation, and a therapeutic environment. The grounds were designed by the renowned landscape architecture firm of [[Frederick Law Olmsted]] and [[Calvert Vaux]], who also designed [[Central Park]] in [[New York City]].
+The Richardson Olmsted Complex was commissioned in the 1870s as part of a movement to improve the treatment of the mentally ill. The design was a collaboration between the renowned architect [[Henry Hobson Richardson]] and the famous landscape architect [[Frederick Law Olmsted]], who was responsible for the grounds and landscaping.
-== Architecture ==
+The complex was originally known as the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane and was part of a broader trend in the United States to create more humane and therapeutic environments for mental health treatment. The design followed the [[Kirkbride Plan]], which emphasized natural light, ventilation, and a structured environment.
-The complex is an exemplary model of the [[Richardsonian Romanesque]] style, characterized by its massive stone walls, rounded arches, and intricate detailing. The main building features twin towers and a central administration building flanked by patient wards. The use of red Medina sandstone and dark slate roofs adds to the building's imposing and distinctive appearance.
-== Restoration and Current Use ==
+==Architecture==
-After decades of neglect, the Richardson Olmsted Complex has undergone significant restoration efforts. The central portion of the complex has been transformed into the [[Hotel Henry Urban Resort Conference Center]], which opened in 2017. The remaining buildings are being repurposed for various uses, including cultural and educational facilities.
+The architectural style of the Richardson Olmsted Complex is [[Richardsonian Romanesque]], characterized by its massive stone walls, rounded arches, and grand towers. The main building, known as the "Administration Building," is flanked by two large towers and features a central pavilion with a steeply pitched roof.
-== Significance ==
+The complex originally consisted of several interconnected buildings arranged in a V-shape, with the central administration building at the apex. This layout was intended to provide a sense of order and calm, with each wing housing different patient populations.
-The Richardson Olmsted Complex is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]]. It is considered one of the most important works of [[Henry Hobson Richardson]] and a significant example of 19th-century mental health architecture.
-== Related Pages ==
+==Restoration and Current Use==
+In the late 20th century, the complex fell into disrepair and was largely abandoned. However, efforts to preserve and restore the buildings began in the early 21st century. The Richardson Olmsted Complex has since been partially restored and repurposed.
+Today, the complex houses the Hotel Henry Urban Resort Conference Center, which occupies part of the historic buildings. The site also includes event spaces and the Lipsey Architecture Center Buffalo, which offers exhibits and educational programs related to architecture and design.
+==Significance==
+The Richardson Olmsted Complex is a National Historic Landmark and is considered one of the most important examples of 19th-century mental health architecture in the United States. It represents a significant collaboration between two of the most influential figures in American architecture and landscape design, [[Henry Hobson Richardson]] and [[Frederick Law Olmsted]].
+==Also see==
+* [[Kirkbride Plan]]
 * [[Henry Hobson Richardson]]
+* [[Frederick Law Olmsted]]
 * [[Richardsonian Romanesque]]
-* [[Frederick Law Olmsted]]
-* [[Kirkbride Plan]]
-* [[National Register of Historic Places]]
 * [[Buffalo, New York]]
-== Categories ==
+{{National Register of Historic Places in New York}}
+{{Buffalo, New York}}
 [[Category:Buildings and structures in Buffalo, New York]]
 [[Category:National Historic Landmarks in New York (state)]]
 [[Category:Richardsonian Romanesque architecture]]
-[[Category:Historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in New York (state)]]
 [[Category:Psychiatric hospitals in New York (state)]]
-{{National Register of Historic Places}}
-{{medicine-stub}}