Visitors to Irvine Park may notice the absence of its iconic fountain, but it’s only temporary! The well-loved landmark was carefully removed last week and transported to a restoration studio, where it will receive much-needed care and refurbishment. The $120,000 project, managed by KCI Art Conservators, will address corrosion, repair structural damage, improve surface appearance, and include $20,000 in electrical upgrades to restore the fountain’s lights. Funded largely by the St. Paul Parks Conservancy and the Historic Irvine Park Association, the work ensures the fountain will return in spring 2025 looking better than ever.
The fountain, commissioned in 1978 as a replacement for the original 1881 cast iron structure, has faced its share of challenges, including surviving a car crash in 2010. This restoration, which involves local experts from Braun Intertec, Mattson Macdonald Young, and Industrial Painting Specialists, ensures the fountain is ready to endure Minnesota winters for years to come. Meanwhile, the “Irvine Park Campaign” continues to make strides in revitalizing the park, with completed projects like a gazebo restoration, new tree plantings, and a concert series. Additional fundraising is underway to replace light posts and hardscape features by 2027.
Give to the Irvine Park Campaign here.
Photo credit: Michael Boeckman