Piedmont Avenue (Berkeley) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Piedmont Avenue |
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Piedmont Avenue, 1915
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| Location | Piedmont Ave. between Gayley Rd. and Dwight Way |
| Built | 1865 |
| Architect | Frederick Law Olmsted |
| Official name: Piedmont Way | |
| Reference no. | 986 |
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Berkeley Landmark
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| Official name: Piedmont Way | |
| Designated | February 22, 1990 |
| Reference no. | 130 |
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Piedmont Avenue is a well-known street located in the city of Berkeley, California. It was originally called Piedmont Way. Today, it's a major road that runs through the area where many students from the University of California, Berkeley live in fraternity and sorority houses.
Contents
The Vision of Piedmont Way
Piedmont Way was first imagined in 1865 by Frederick Law Olmsted. He was a very famous landscape architect in America. A landscape architect designs outdoor spaces like parks and gardens. Olmsted is known for designing Central Park in New York City!
A Special Street Design
Olmsted wanted Piedmont Way to be the heart of a beautiful neighborhood. This community was planned to be very close to the College of California, which later became the University of California, Berkeley.
Following Nature's Path
Olmsted envisioned a road that would gently follow the natural curves of the land. He also wanted it to be protected from the sun and wind. His idea was to create a "bowery of foliage," which means a leafy tunnel of trees. These trees would provide lots of shade and make the street feel peaceful.
Olmsted's First Residential Street
This curvy, tree-lined parkway was very special. It was Olmsted's very first design for a residential street. Because it was so well-designed, it became a model for similar parkways all across the United States.
A Protected Landmark
The original part of Piedmont Way is still around today. You can find it between Gayley Road and Dwight Way in Berkeley.
Honored as a Landmark
Because of its unique design and history, this section of Piedmont Way has been given special recognition. It is now known as both a Berkeley Landmark and a California Historical Landmark. This means it's an important place that is protected for future generations to enjoy.
