The iconic, yet divisive, Vaillancourt Fountain in San Francisco is fighting for its life! After facing the threat of demolition, preservationists have launched a last-ditch effort to save this Brutalist landmark. But will it be enough? Let's dive in.
It seemed like the end was near for the Vaillancourt Fountain at Embarcadero Plaza. The San Francisco Rec and Parks Department requested its removal and storage back in October. Following this, the San Francisco Arts Commission, which technically owns the fountain, approved its removal in early November. This decision came after the fountain had been closed to the public for over five months due to safety hazards. Adding to the problem, the fountain wasn't included in the plans for a $30 million plaza renovation introduced last year.
But the story doesn't end there! Supporters of the fountain aren't giving up without a fight. Docomomo US/Northern California, an architectural preservation nonprofit, has filed an appeal with the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to save the fountain, and the board has accepted it.
The appeal hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13th, at 2 pm. It's expected to be a lengthy affair, potentially stretching for several hours. The Arts Commission initially voted on an "emergency exemption" to bypass a full environmental review. The project manager from Rec and Parks, Eoanna Goodwin, stated that the fountain's fencing and mesh screens had been repeatedly breached, with individuals entering the fenced-off area. However, this exemption essentially sidestepped a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, which the fountain, as a historic resource, should have warranted.
But here's where it gets controversial... Docomomo board member Jack McCarthy argues that the "emergency exemption" is being misused, stating that the fountain's condition is the result of decades of deferred maintenance.
So, the fate of the Vaillancourt Fountain now rests in the hands of the 11 members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Danny Sauter, representing the district where the fountain is located, has expressed reservations, citing financial constraints and a lack of community support for the fountain's preservation. He also mentions the estimated $30 million cost to restore it. If the fountain is removed, its pieces will be stored, assessed for repair, and possibly reconstructed elsewhere if a suitable location and funding are found.
And this is the part most people miss... The situation raises significant questions about the balance between historical preservation, public safety, and financial realities. The fountain's future highlights the complex challenges of maintaining public art in the face of changing needs and priorities.
What do you think? Should the Vaillancourt Fountain be saved, or is it time for it to go? Do you agree with the arguments for or against its preservation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
