Bartholdi Fountain Restoration and Park Renovation
| Location | | Bartholdi Park is at the corner of Independence and Washington Avenues, SW. |
| Description | | Renovation and restoration of historical fountain and statue, new irrigation system and sidewalk replacement. |
| Status &
Time Line | | Fountain renovation and restoration began fall 2008; the fountain will be in working condition after supporting utility and structural repairs and upgrades are complete. The balance of the park renovation will follow. |
Bartholdi Park is at the corner of Independence and Washington Avenues, SW. The park was created in 1932 as a new home for the Bartholdi Fountain, created by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi (1834-1904)for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition and purchased by Congress in 1877. He also created the Statue of Liberty.
The Bartholdi Fountain and Park are in need of restoration and renovation. This project will restore the historical and physical integrity of the fountain and protect it from further degradation by its exposure to the environment. It will also renovate the Northwest Fountain, provide a new irrigation system and replace the sidewalks.
The fountain and its sculpture have been taken off-site for renovation and restoration by experts. In addition to the full restoration of the sculpture, the piping and lighting will be renovated. To return the fountain to working order, renovation of the concrete basin structure, light fixtures and plumbing and a utility vault upgrade must be completed. Following the Bartholdi Fountain work, the restoration of the Northwest Fountain, new irrigation system and sidewalk replacement will be accomplished.
