Chicago’s
Children’s
Fountain

An enterprising young firm by the name of Building Blocks is the architectural representative for Robinson Iron in the City of Chicago. Sherri and Kevin Miske – a mother and son team extraordinaire - combine their extensive knowledge of restoration technique with great attention to detail to make every project a very special one. The ornamental signage kiosks on Navy Pier and the subway entrances on State Street are two of the many imposing civic projects completed with their assistance. Recently we were pleasantly surprised when they approached us regarding the restoration and relocation of a fountain originally cast for the City of Chicago by Robinson Iron.

Named The Children’s Fountain it had been standing at the intersection of Wacker Drive and Wabash Avenue since Robinson Iron installed it in 1982. Mayor Jane Byrne worked closely with Robinson to design a piece worthy of such a prominent location and one that would excite the imaginations of Chicago’s children. Indeed it was the children who contributed pennies to build the strikingly scalloped granite pool in which the fountain stands. The eighteen foot high fountain has three tiers and sports bathing children, spouting cranes and lots of water action. Central urban locations undergo constant change and improvement and this site proved to be no different. The city decided to reconstruct the entire length of Wacker Drive.  The Children’s Fountain would be relocated to another site. All 3500 pounds of cast iron and cast aluminum had to be disassembled and returned to Robinson’s facilities for restoration. When refurbished all of the various components were to be sent back to Chicago for installation in a new location.

Fortunately the original archival documents had been carefully stored at Robinson Iron. The new installation would be modeled after the original in all respects.

Thanks in part to Sherri and Kevin Miske and the Robinson restoration team the children of Chicago have their fountain back. It is just as beautiful as when it was first installed. The scalloped granite pool again reflects the spouting cranes, the many“ wish” pennies tossed and the faces of Chicago’s smiling children. Visit Building Blocks at http://bblocks.net/Childrens/

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A great shower of water plays against an urban background.

One of the most remarkable features of the installation is the scalloped pool.

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Children will enjoy the green space of the park.

Photos: Kevin Miske