CIVIC CENTER and the CAPITOL GROUNDS THE FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT AND DREAMER REINHARD CAME TO DENVER AT THE AGE OF 28- he would present himself as a gardener and plantsman, a draftsman, a landscape architect and engineer, construction supervisor, architect, and park manager. Of more significance, Schuetze brought to Denver his own artistic sensibility, a large experience with design traditions and contemporary practices, and a dedication to the new landscape style. Once in Denver he had the opportunity to put his personal stamp on the urban landscape of quintessential western boomtown..some would say cowtown. From Carolyn and Don Etter s book, The Forgotten Dreamer. Schuetze s first project was Fairmount Cemetery. He then won two design competitions for the Capitol Grounds. One in 1890 and the other in 1895. He developed construction drawings and his design was installed in the late 1890 s. (See information below from, The Forgotten Dreamer.) Schuetze s original layout formed the basis of all other design efforts. The strong axis and style he established were extended west to create Civic Center Park. Other designers who followed his design: Charles Mulford Robinson, Frederick MacMonnies, George Kessler, Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr., and Edward Bennett. FORGOTTEN? The Etter s book written in 2001 is the only source that tells Schuetze s story and contribution to the design of Denver. Books on early Denver history do not mention him or say very little. Even though he designed the Capitol grounds, the major Denver Parks, and Parkways. Perhaps he was forgotten because he died in 1910 when Denver design efforts were just starting to take shape. CIVIC CENTER PARK- CAPITOL AT TOP
From The Forgotten Dreamer by Carolyn and Don Etter, pages 13-15.
History of Civic Center and area highlights.
Schuetze died in 1910 at the age of 50. SR DeBoer succeeded him as the Denver Landscape Architect. DeBoer served the City from 1910-1958. He refined and completed a lot of the work that had begun before him. Through his private practice he worked on everything from large scale planning to small planting designs for parks and residences. DeBoer was a long standing and accomplished figure in the field of landscape architecture in Denver. He became an ASLA fellow in 1957. Perhaps this is why Schuetze his design vision, practical ideas, and ability to get work accomplished was forgotten as the decades rolled along without him. If the Etter s had not researched and written the book, The Forgotten Dreamer, no one would know about his 20 years of work in Denver and his significant design contribution and original ideas for many of the most cherished landscape features in Denver today: The Street Parkway System, Civic Center, City Park, Washington Park, and Cheesman Park.
JANE SILVERSTEIN RIES, FASLA- DENVER LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT AND WOMAN PIONEER Jane Silverstein Ries, FASLA As the first woman to pursue a career in landscape architecture in Colorado, Jane Silverstein Ries, FASLA, was a pioneer. She graduated from the Lowthorpe School of Landscape Architecture in Groton, Massachusetts in 1932, and by 1934 had already opened her own landscape architecture office in Denver. Jane held the third landscape architecture license in the State of Colorado. Her career in landscape architecture spanned nearly six decades. Jane was ahead of her time with her philosophy of incorporating native plants and materials into her designs and built her projects to reflect, preserve and restore the natural environment. She was a strong voice in issues of land use and fought to conserve prairie, mountain landscapes, wildlife and urban spaces. In 2005, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) awarded Jane the ASLA Medal, the highest honor bestowed on landscape architects. To date, she is one of three female recipients of the medal. (Excerpt from the JSR website: jsrfoundation.org) Jane s influence and intersection with my life and career: (1980 s) Native Plants: Her promotion of native plant material and xeriscape influenced planting designs I did for projects in the Golden Triangle when I worked at Bannock Center Corporation. Our use of native plants was recognized and promoted by the Denver Water Department. Jane participated in a tour I led highlighting the use of native plant materials in an urban setting. Leadership: Her participation in ASLA helped all women feel at home in the organization. Friendship: She opened her home up to many groups (professional and neighborhood) and delighted in giving tours of her garden. I participated in several gatherings on her back porch and in her garden. She was warm and friendly and passionate about her craft
In 1997 the JSR Foundation was formalized as the charitable arm of the Association of Landscape Architects Colorado Chapter with a mission to continue the legacy of Jane Silverstein Ries stewardship of the land. Today, the Foundation recognizes and supports sustainable and innovative projects and programs that conserve, improve and enhance the built and natural environments. The Foundation offers scholarships, grants, educational opportunities, events and programs that make the spirit of places endure in the Rocky Mountain region. (Excerpt from the JSR website: jsrfoundation.org) JSR Foundation s mission to embrace the spirit of place ensures that Jane s legacy of land stewardship and sustainability lives on. JSR Denver Public Library Archive Collection >> View Jane's legacy in a retrospective exhibit of her career, featuring her garden design and landscape architecture work. Link to Denver Public Library - Online Exhibit >>