Newport Sculpture Commission proposes relocating Alfred Gwynn Vanderbilt Memorial Fountain

The Newport City Council held a regular meeting on December 11, 2024, where significant discussions centered around the Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt Memorial Fountain. The meeting began with a communication from the Newport Sculpture Commission, presented by Chair Federico Santi, who outlined the history and current condition of the memorial.

Santi detailed the memorial's origins, established in memory of Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, who perished on the RMS Lusitania in 1915. Originally located on Broadway, the fountain has faced numerous challenges over the years, including vandalism and a lack of maintenance, leading to its current state of disrepair. The memorial was moved in 1952 due to safety concerns but has since suffered further damage.

The commission proposed relocating the memorial to a more suitable site in front of Empire Tea and Coffee on Bellevue Avenue. This new location would allow for better access to utilities and visibility, addressing the obstacles that have hindered the fountain's operation as a working feature. The commission has received support from the Trian Open Space Commission and the property owner, Buddy Hill, who has agreed to facilitate the necessary plumbing for the fountain.

However, the proposal has met with mixed reactions from the community. While some residents support the move, others, including a local business owner, expressed concerns about losing the memorial's connection to Broadway, which they believe contributes to the area's charm and character.

The council discussed the proposal, and a motion was made to endorse the commission's plan to relocate the memorial. The outcome of this motion will determine the next steps for the restoration and relocation of the Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt Memorial Fountain, which has been a significant part of Newport's history for over a century.