PARKWAYS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN TO RENOVATE BUCKINGHAM MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN
$25 Million Needed to Repair Iconic Chicago Attraction in Grant Park
Release Date: 07/21/08
Parkways Foundation, which raises private funds for projects within the Chicago Park District (CPD), announced today an initiative to raise $5 million to support the $25 million renovation and restoration of The Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain in Grant Park. One of Chicago’s most iconic attractions, Buckingham Fountain will not be changed aesthetically through the renovation. However, the infrastructure and sculptural elements require extensive repair to preserve Grant Park’s crown jewel. The renovation is scheduled for the 2008 – 2009 off-season which begins Sept. 2, 2008, re-opening of the fountain is scheduled for April 1, 2009.
“Parkways Foundation decided to launch this initiative because historic preservation has been a main focus of the organization since its inception,” said Denise Stefan, president of Parkways Foundation. “Parkways has funded park projects throughout Chicago neighborhoods, raising millions of dollars toward historic preservation, programming initiatives and environmental enrichment. We are happy to have the opportunity to do the same for Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park.”
In addition to replacing deteriorated infrastructure and addressing conservation treatment of the fountain’s sculptural elements, the renovation will include a restoration of the perimeter pathways and rehabilitation of the surrounding landscape. The Fountain also will be updated to include complete American Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility improvements. The most noticeable changes will include the restored pathways and landscaping at the four corners of the fountain site, which were altered from the original 1927 plan. In the 1930s, the plan changed from simple linear paths to a complex oval layout with a radiating network of paths, interplanted with Hawthorne trees. By 1985 the oval paths were completely removed and replaced with grass, and the Hawthornes began to deteriorate. Through this renovation, the original plan of simple linear paths will be restored and lined with benches for additional seating, complemented by new trees in the corners of the landscape.
“Buckingham Fountain has become Chicago’s greatest and most recognizable icon for millions of tourists that visit our great city each year, as well as an architectural icon for those of us who call Chicago home,” said Timothy J. Mitchell, Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO. “Announced last year during the 80th birthday anniversary, the renovation and restoration of this fountain will be funded more than half by private funders. Public-private partnerships are essential in helping preserve not only our neighborhood parks, but important landmarks that represent the history and grandeur of Chicago to the rest of the world.”
The renovation project team is headed by Thompson Dyke & Associates, in collaboration with Klein & Hoffman Structural Engineers, Delta Engineering, McKay Lodge Fine Arts Conservation Laboratory, UrbanWorks Architects, Charter Sills Lighting Design, and Wet Fountain Design.
Parkways Foundation has secured a commitment from Charter One to donate funds to the renovation project, marking the first corporate gift pledged to aid the initiative. Donation levels will be determined as more project details are confirmed.
Restoration was performed on the fountain in 1994, concentrating solely on the central portion of the fountain. The 2008 renovation is necessary, as the pool bottom surface of the 280-foot outer basin slab has disintegrated and requires complete replacement. In addition, plumbing and electrical piping are severely corroded, and 80 years of freeze-thaw cycles in Chicago’s climate have caused natural deterioration of the granite, marble and bronze sculptural elements.
In the coming months, Parkways Foundation will announce ways Chicagoans can contribute to the renovation efforts to preserve Buckingham Fountain.
For more information about the Buckingham Memorial Fountain renovation or to donate to the cause, please visit www.restorethefountain.com.
ABOUT PARKWAYS FOUNDATION
As the philanthropic partner of the Chicago Park District, Parkways Foundation works to enhance and improve Chicago’s neighborhood parks through capital improvements, funding youth programs and historic preservation. Parkways Foundation identifies projects that will visibly and substantially enrich the lives of families in Chicago, and then seeks private investment to realize these goals. In 2007 Parkways Foundation raised over $2 million to fund projects in Chicago’s neighborhood parks.
- Contact Phone: 312 742 7529