Uncovering history together

We organized the grounds into three interconnecting zones, each interpreting a distinct aspect of Pullman’s past:

The Front Yard evokes a pastoral landscape inspired by the 1880s-era Lake Vista and its surrounding gardens and pathways. A high-performance stormwater strategy captures or reuses 90% of runoff through a reinterpreted detention pond, native plantings, sculpted swales, permeable paving, and integrated cisterns across the multi-acre site.

The Transfer Pit, once a working corridor where railcar chassis were rolled between factory bays, is reimagined through a composition of hardscape and planting that frames existing archaeological remnants, highlighting the historical functionality of this space. The design draws from the spontaneous, “urban-wild” vegetation of typical rail corridors. Rust-red “ghost frames” mark the footprint of lost structures by referencing the factory doors that once defined the space.

The Park provides a flexible open lawn for events, informal recreation, and gathering, shaped by the historic footprint of the rear erecting shops. The space allows for unobstructed use while subtly reinforcing the scale of the former industrial buildings.

Today, the Pullman National Historical Park stands as a powerful example of how design can support cultural preservation, foster community identity, and catalyze ongoing investment. The project demonstrates the role design professionals can play in advancing heritage and strengthening communities.