A vision for the historic renovation of the last remaining open space from the Olmsted Brothers’ 1930s plan, adapting it to the modern campus and protecting it from the pressures of future development.


REA completed a master plan for the rehabilitation of the Ball Nurses’ Sunken Garden and Convalescent Park originally designed by the Olmsted Brothers in 1937. In more recent years, as the pressure to build upon the space increased, the University became aware of its historic significance and placed it on the National Register of Historic Places.
REA was commissioned by Indiana University to develop the master plan for rehabilitation in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards.
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 the Union Building which protrudes into the historic space; and setbacks for future buildings to limit further encroachment into the space.




Since the completion of the master plan, the context around the historic space has changed dramatically, led by the new Eskanzi Hospital but the principles laid out by the master plan helped preserve and shape this new campus district.
REA prepared construction documents for all phases of the $6 million project and provided construction administration services on behalf of the University.

