Stone has been used for centuries in buildings and landscaping. Many builders and landscape architects have been influenced by the rich history of stonework in creating their own aspirations. Looking at other’s examples of stonework by visiting local places is a great way to find inspiration in your next project.
There are many areas in Georgia that highlight the classic beauty of stone. Here are a few examples.
Springfield Village Park in Augusta
Downtown Augusta is full of history but it’s a modern, urban park that caught our attention because of the veneer stone. Located on Reynolds Street and about a block away from the waterfront, Springfield Village Park highlights towering structures and waterfalls set along stone walls and staircases. The 2.5-acre park celebrates the legacy and aspirations of Springfield Baptist Church (the oldest black church in the U.S.) and the community which developed around it.
Highlights of the park include a reflecting pool, bronze historical plaques, and sculptures by world renowned sculptor Richard Hunt. Hunt’s masterpiece “Tower of Aspirations” was unveiled in February 2002. A second sculpture titled “And They Went Down Both into the Water” was unveiled in June 2006. If you want a sense of immenseness and grandeur in your landscape, you might want to study how the reflecting pool, plaques, and sculptures are set around the stone walls and staircases at this inspirational park.
Historic Waterfront in Savannah
Savannah is known for its beauty and one beautiful area is the historic waterfront with its cobblestone streets and stone retaining walls. The area is a testament to stone’s longevity. Walking along the area, you will see great examples of stone walls mixed with ironworks and the live oaks.
The stonework in Savannah is vividly asymmetrical. The rocks used are ballast stones from afar that cobble the streets and reinforce the walls. Constructed during colonial times, the stones help to bridge the industrial setting with the natural setting. As you walk around, you’ll notice the different shapes and sizes of the rocks in the streets. The variety inspires. The ballast stones were brought over from different areas in ships to help weigh them down. Once the ships arrived in Savannah, the rocks were dumped to make room for the more valuable goods from the colonies.
Grant Park in Atlanta
The Grant Park Historic District is one of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods. The distinctive landscape is characterized by rolling hills and scenic vistas. Mature trees line the streets, which provide an extensive sidewalk system. Due to the topography, retaining walls are an important landscape feature. Driving through the area, many of the homes provide examples of how to use stone in walkways, steps to the entry, and in the facades.
Need more inspiration? Look through our online catalog at fieldstonecenter.com/fieldstone-catalog/. We can also help you choose from our wide selection of quality stone. Contact us at at 770-385-7708 for more information.