At the heart of the Stanford University campus is the Inner Quad, standing today much as intended in 1891 when the University first opened.

The original Quad design by Frederick Law Olmstedt was never completed due to budgetary constraints at the new University. The renovation, completed in 1985, restored the Quad to Olmsted’s original intent and renewed the importance of the space in the campus hierarchy. The planting islands were enlarged to allow for preservation of large trees while pruning and removal of subsrata vegetation opened up the view. Pre-cast concrete seat walls were added. A rosette was installed at the geometrical center of the Quad, modeled on those found on the buildings. Interlocking paving stones unify the the paved surfaces.