REA completed a master plan for the renovation of the Ball Nurses’ Sunken Garden and Convalescent Park originally designed by the Olmsted Brothers in 1937. As the pressure to build upon the space increased, the University became aware of its historic significance and had it placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

REA’s role included researching and evaluating historic drawings, photographs, and correspondence obtained from the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site and the Library of Congress in order to develop a thorough understanding of the original design intent of the Olmsted plan.

Specific recommendations of the Master Plan included restoration of all design elements of the Sunken Garden and Convalescent Park as originally intended, integration of the proposed Riley Playgarden into the Convalescent Park, the addition of important original design elements never constructed due to budgetary constraints, removal of one wing of the Union Building which protrudes into the historic space, and establishment of setbacks for future buildings to limit further encroachment into the space.