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Parks presents temporary treatment for Kai Davis fountain; HPC recommends lower plane and nonhistoric gray brick
Summary
Parks staff proposed a temporary, removable brick plinth to cover the inoperative Kai Davis fountain; commissioners recommended lowering the plane slightly, using a gray nonhistoric brick or other durable surface and adding a small explanatory plaque to avoid confusing the temporary treatment with the original historic brick.
Parks staff asked the Historic Preservation Commission for advisory comments on a temporary treatment for the nonfunctioning Kai Davis fountain in the Pedestrian Mall. Parks explained the fountain suffers structural and waterproofing failures and would require a nearly complete rebuild outside current budgeting; the recommended interim treatment is a removable section of mall brick over rigid insulation designed to look purposeful rather than an abandoned water feature.
Mike Tunde of Parks explained the mock‑up and said the repair is essentially a rebuild with no current firm schedule or budget. "The fountain has run intermittently... the repair of the fountain is essentially a complete rebuild," he said. Commissioners offered practical feedback: lower the new plane a couple of inches to make the treatment read as temporary and select a gray, nonhistoric brick or complementary material rather than the same historic brick used elsewhere in the mall. Several commissioners suggested a small plaque or sign noting the drought‑related temporary condition and the reason the fountain is not operating.
Parks agreed to pursue a simple gray brick at a slightly lower elevation to reduce confusion with the historic paving; staff noted gravel and planting were considered but raised maintenance concerns. The advisory comments will inform Parks’ administrative public project review and any short‑term implementation.
