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Arts Commission advances plan to disassemble and store Embarcadero fountain after safety finding
Summary
The Arts Commission heard a director's update that the city has begun steps to remove Armand Valencourt's Embarcadero (Ballincourt) Fountain for public safety, has posted legal notices and fenced the site, and intends to hire a consultant to prepare a disassembly and three‑year storage plan by early February 2026.
The San Francisco Arts Commission on Dec. 1 received an update on the Embarcadero fountain by sculptor Armand Valencourt after a Nov. 3 commission motion approved removal for public safety.
Director of Cultural Affairs Ralph Remington told commissioners the city issued the artist a notice on Nov. 4 giving the artist 90 days to remove or pay for removal, and published a 30‑day notice in the San Francisco Chronicle on Nov. 6 to alert community organizations. The Recreation and Park Department has installed an eight‑foot fence around the fountain and increased park ranger patrols.
Remington said the Arts Commission plans to bring a consultant on board this month to develop a disassembly, cataloging and secure storage plan and to advise on historic interpretation and community engagement. "The disassembly cataloging and secure storage of the sculptural concrete arms and back wall will allow for further study of the fountain's condition and possible restoration, repair, relocation, repurposing, or other future actions," he said.
Commissioners pressed staff for details about costs and storage. Commissioner Walker asked whether private partners would be expected to pay storage costs and noted concerns about a multiyear storage commitment; staff confirmed that a three‑year storage commitment is likely and that funding/partners remain to be identified.
Remington said staff will coordinate proposal review with Recreation and Park and aim to have a consultant contract awarded this month and a final plan completed by early February 2026. The commission also agreed to agendize the project's progress at the Visual Arts Committee so the public can follow community engagement and technical analysis.
The director's report did not record a vote on funding or contract authority at the meeting; commissioners discussed next steps and public notice but did not adopt a new motion during the Dec. 1 session.
Next steps: staff expects to solicit consultant proposals, recommend a contract award within the month and present the draft disassembly and storage plan to the commission and publicly to VAC in the coming weeks.
