R.J. Reynolds Estate Cultural Landscape Report, Master Plan & Construction Documents

The Jaeger Company assisted Reynolda Gardens, the former estate of the R.J. Reynolds family in Winston-Salem, NC, in the development of a Cultural Landscape Report and Master Plan. The Gardens, now owned by Wake Forest University, are comprised of four acres within the larger Reynolda Estate grounds. The Gardens are endeared by the local community and university students, who visit on a daily basis.

The plan evaluated the existing conditions of the Gardens and assessed original plant materials and structures. The Master Plan has been implemented with a $1.2 million project budget including the following elements: 1) Retaining Wall Repair and Reconstruction; 2) Site Improvements; 3) Garden Structures; and 4) Garden Planting.

The project included extensive historical research through the use of original drawings from 1917 by noted landscape architect Thomas W. Sears. Family correspondence, historical photographs, and aerial photography from the 1930's were also consulted. Historical data was weighed against intact materials. A series of "Landscape Layers" was created to graphically illustrate the Garden's evolution. The result is the restoration of the Garden by Sears which also reflects the influence of Mrs. Katharine S. Reynolds, who as the client played an important role in the Gardens' final design.

The project is featured on the National Park Service's Historic Landscape initiative website. Click here to go to this page.

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