William John Hawkins

Terrific—even essential—book detailing the history of the Olmstead urban design firm of the early 1900s and its particular influence on the city of Portland. Sections on the history of the city's urban planning, lavishly illustrated with period maps and photographs, are followed by detailed chapters covering specific parks, roadways, subdivisions, and private homes. The author is a prominent Portland architect and the grand-nephew of Portland parks pioneer L.L. Hawkins. This book should be read by anyone seeking a thorough understanding of why Portland looks and feels the way it does.… (mere)