Professional Documents
Culture Documents
DESCRIPTION:
Built in 1932 as a residence for the Dodge family (of automobile fame), the residence was
designed by Joseph Abele, an African American architect who had worked most of his career as
a project architect for Horace Trumbauer, a prominent Philadelphia architect from the late 1800’s
into the late 1920’s. Now owned by the Belgian Embassy, the residence of the Ambassador to
the United States is a two-story limestone structure modeled on the Parisian Hôtel de Rothelin-
Charolais. QE|A is responsible for the comprehensive renovation and major modernization of
this 26,000-square-foot Beaux Arts residence and Durham Assoc. will design extensive site
improvements including care of the historic plantings and espalier, hardscape repairs and new
lighting.
COMPLETION DATE: Ongoing. Preliminary sketches for discussion with the Ambassa-
dor(s), project managers for the Embassy and the architect outlining work needed for the Allee,
parking expansion and improved pedestrian connections to the residence. At bottom are sketches
for restoring the formal trellis panels in the service court based on historic Belgian styles.
TEAM: With staff of the Botanic Garden, and; Scott Carlson, CA; Greg Lowery
and Stephan Scaniello, Rosarians; James Cooke, AIA
COMPLETION DATE: Late 2009 or 2010
DESCRIPTION:
Originally built in 1844, philanthropist and amateur horticulturalist Hugh Sharp and his wife,
Isabelle DuPont Sharp, purchased the property in 1909 and began extensive additions and
renovations. The 6 acres of gardens were designed by one of the earliest and most successful
women landscape architects, Marion Cruger Coffin, who also designed parts of Winterthur (H.F.
duPont’s estate), several Rockefeller estates and campuses including the University of Delaware.
The abrupt grade changes were used to create a series of rooms, each with a unique character and
purpose. The formal gardens were renovated and endowed by Preservation Delaware Inc. and
others in the late 1990’s for about $1 million. The present $10-11 million project includes
converting the abandoned mansion and outbuildings into Class A office space, adding a
compatible office building and restoring parts of the estate untouched by the earlier renovation.
Brandywine Park was created in the 1890's following consultation with Frederick Law Olmsted
who was then late in his life. Much of the Park's layout would be carried out in the early 1900's
by the Olmsted Bros. Dating to 1933, the Jasper Crane Rose Garden was funded with federal
Public Works Administration funds (an unemployment relief program). Its heyday was between
the late thirties and through the fifties when over 1000 roses filled the beds and it was a
destination for rosarians. The Friends of Wilmington Parks took over maintenance of the garden
in 1991 and, in the spring of 2000, a plan to replace the rose supports caused a closer look at
fully restoring all of the garden’s elements. With the aid of foundation grants, private donations,
event proceeds, and Wilmington State Parks, the Friends embarked on a two-phase renovation:
initially, all 425 roses were replaced, a new irrigation system and steel edging installed and
masonry repairs were made. Phase II involved relocating the monument to a new plaza with
stairs leading to the Brandywine River.
Replanted in May 2001, the roses have filled in completely. New Climbers and interpretive signage above.
Completed relocation of the 1816 monument and restoration of the 1932 rose garden.
DESCRIPTION:
The client wanted to improve and combine two existing brochures: a two-color garden
guide/map and an aged color brochure describing the historic interiors and architecture of the
National Historic Landmark Andalusia, a private estate north of Philadelphia known for its early
agricultural experiments and long ownership by the prominent Biddle family. Our role included
research, text, editing, selection of the team members, and management through the final
printing. The new watercolor map of the garden was illustrated by Magdi Barsoum and Dale
Southam of Stat-Stat provided graphic layout and photographic services. Brochure is shown
unfolded. Folded size is 3 ½” x 9”)
Mrs. Louise Corkran donated the house (circa 1780) to the University of Delaware upon her
death in the late sixties. The garden sat with minimal maintenance until 1998 when the Board of
the Rehoboth Art League, who inherited the property from the U of DE, took upon itself to
renovate the circa 1932 garden. Durham & Assoc. was commissioned to prepare plans and help
carry out the project. The Art League privately raised over $150,000 and the two year project
included historic research, major tree work, a new custom pavilion, lighting, extensive new
walks and paths and complete replanting. Several historic garden structures were renovated
including a grape arbor, the “dutch pump” house, a sundial/capstan and rose arbor.
DESCRIPTION:
Color rendering prepared for use in a funding brochure mailed to members and used for grant
applications.
DESCRIPTION:
Prepared a masterplan for the horticultural restoration of this 1932 landscape. Mr.
Raskob was a close associate of Pierre S. DuPont and was instrumental in the financing
of the Empire State Building. The Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities, a
charitable foundation, now resides in the former residence.
DESCRIPTION:
New residence on 20 acres overlooking Mackerel Cove from St. James Island. Masterplanning,
detailing and project management of extensive new landscapes and grounds.
Main entrance. “Potato” boulders used as informal seating around a fire pit.
DESCRIPTION:
This residential project was completed in two major phases. The front landscape was developed
to provide family use and an attractive guest entrance. The driveway was lowered and relocated
to allow a better main entrance and easier vehicular circulation. The rear garden is focused on a
sunken stone quarry from which the circa 1925 house was quite possibly built.
Rhododendron, fern and ivy drip off the quarry walls. Steps leading to quarry garden.
DESCRIPTION:
The main project included adding a sunroom and creating a formal walled garden but it also
included renovating existing pavements, an informal and vegetable garden, lighting, fencing and
new plantings throughout.
Terraces off house lead to sunroom and informal gardens. Formal walled garden focuses on the reflecting pool.
DESCRIPTION:
Originally site-planned and landscaped in the early 1970’s by my late mother, I’ve overseen the
landscape and worked to maintain the integrity of this wonderful integration of architecture and
landscape since 1991. The house and lush tropical plantings respond beautifully to the powerful
views in almost 270 degrees.