The fascinating story of the historic Elmwood District, named one of
America's top ten neighborhoods, is told for the first time. From Joseph
Ellicott's arrival in Buffalo, New York and his radical radial street
grid, through the role played by Fredrick Law Olmsted and his unique
parks and parkways, discover the powerful stories of those who created a
fabulous neighborhood using Olmsted's blueprint for gracious living.
Then follow the devastating 50-year decline that boarded up mansions and
emptied the rust belt city, reducing it to a shadow of its Gilded Age
size and prominence. Find out how the Elmwood District, now on the
National Register of Historic Places, survived intact until the desire
for walkable neighborhoods and its passionate residents sparked the
remarkable renewal that is underway today. The authors suggest that
Elmwood be considered a model for America's cities, and look into the
neighborhood's future as it grapples with growth.