The name Gardencourt implies ?EUR??,,????'??a place for gathering within the context of a garden.?EUR??,,????'?? As recently as a decade ago, this well known property, secluded from public view on the grounds of the Presbyterian Seminary in Louisville, KY, was better known for its attractiveness to mischievous teenagers, twilight encounters, and mysterious structures shrouded with dense foliage.

The wake-up call for Gardencourt came when the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church voted to move its headquarters to Louisville and to acquire the 14-acre Gardencourt grounds, which lie adjacent to the seminary.

Unlike the grounds, the house at Gardencourt has been used extensively since the last Norton sister passed away in 1946. For more than 20 years, the University of Louisville housed its School of Music in the facility, hosting such noted musicians as Aaron Copeland and Igor Stravinsky. The building was then occupied by the Urban Studies Center, University of Louisville, until 1987 when it was sold at auction. For two years it was held privately. In 1989, The Louisville Presbyterian Seminary became the current owner and commenced plans to renovate the mansion and its grounds.

The Seminary?EUR??,,????'???s new program called for rebuilding structural elements within Gardencourt?EUR??,,????'???s formal garden space and selective replacement of plant materials throughout the grounds. Years without proper maintenance had left brick walls, wooden pergolas, brick walking surfaces, two stone fountains, and other features of the space in a deteriorated condition.

Rundell Ernstberger Associates was charged with rebuilding Gardencourt grounds to accommodate large groups, the disabled, and new parking and drop-off areas. The essential components of Olmsted?EUR??,,????'???s plan, the axial walks of the formal garden, center sundial, fountain, and perimeter plant beds were to remain.

The asphalt entry drive was reconstructed, close to the alignment of the original Olmsted plan. Variations were necessary to preserve existing hardwood trees and to facilitate access to the building.

Within the formal garden itself, brick walls were restored with new drainage systems along their original alignments. Additional walks were made to accommodate the disabled.

The center features of the space, a circular limestone water basin with fountain, and a cast iron sundial were also reconstructed.

Plantings in the formal gardens designed by Artemas Richardson of the Olmsted office were simplified greatly from the 1906 plan because of concerns over maintenance. A large grass panel, for use as a staging area, was constructed in the central area of the formal garden where perennials had originally been planted.

South of the formal walled garden, a rose garden had been established some time after Olmsted?EUR??,,????'???s plan was constructed. New wooden and woven wire trellises were designed for the renovation but have not as yet been installed. A secluded meditation area near the rear of the rose garden and accessible from the walled garden was developed in conjunction with the new design. Simple wooden benches surround a contemporary inspirational sculpture here.

The Gardencourt property is now frequently utilized for both public and private events and has been the recipient of local and regional design and presentation awards. It is once again a popular place for gathering within the context of a garden.