Built in the late 1600s, the Olmsted-Beil House in Staten Island, New York, is named after its most famed owner: landscape architect, social reformer, and writer Frederick Law Olmsted, who lived there from 1848 to 1855. While living on the farm at this property, Olmsted introduced and even perfected many of the techniques and skills that he would use throughout his career as a Landscape Architect. The house was also named after its last residents, naturalist and educator Carlton Beil and his wife, Louise.

 
Charles E. Beveridge, PhD, Series Editor of the Frederick Law Olmsted Papers, and Faye Harwell, FASLA, award-winning Landscape Architect, have taken great interest in Olmsted-Beil House and in FOBH's efforts to support its preservation. Building on the work of historic preservation consultant, Connolly & Hickey Historical Architects, FOBH has sought to develop a landscape historic preservation plan (LHPP) to document, evaluate, and provide recommendations for the site's landscape elements. The LHPP includes an inventory and assessment of the grounds to evaluate existing site conditions - including trees, plantings, circulation paths, and other features - to support future recommendations for restoration and rehabilitation.


This photograph shows the west porch of the Olmsted-Beil House facing north when it was owned by the Cullen family. Candace Cullen is sitting second from the right.

Phase one of this effort was awarded to Rhodeside Harwell (RHI) in May 2025 with the initiation of the Site Inventory and Analysis included as part of a Technical Memorandum, comprising a study of available published historical records as well as a site reconnaissance to document and evaluate existing landscape conditions. The goal of FOBH is to restore the Olmsted-Beil House and to create on the site a vibrant education center that will welcome community members as well as scholars and enthusiasts of Olmsted, parks, and American history.

FOBH retained Connelly and Hickey Historical Architects to complete an historic preservation plan for the Olmsted-Beil House. The plan - which was recently completed - comprises a conditions assessment and recommendations including a schematic design for next steps for restoration and for bringing the house and property to a viable use for the community and beyond. Among the plan's recommendations is restoration of the wraparound porch of the house, which will serve as a literal and symbolic platform for hosting community events, historical tours, and educational programs to share Olmsted's legacy with future generations. FOBH is currently engaged in a fundraising campaign to restore the porch. The campaign will end in June 2026.

As seen in LASN magazine, March 2026.