Wicker Park’s Iconic Gurgoyle Fountain To Be Restored

CHICAGO — Wicker Park’s iconic Gurgoyle Fountain will be restored over the next four months with a $67,000 grant from Wicker Park Bucktown Special Service Area #33, the neighborhood’s business improvement district. The SSA commissioned historic restorationists from the Conservation of Sculpture & Objects Studio to complete the project.

The fountain's top ornament will be reconstructed, the SSA said. The restoration will also include the removal of old paint and corrosion from the fountain and its four cast iron urns. The whole fountain will then be repainted and resealed to protect against future damage.

WPB SSA #33 and CSOS are working in partnership with Chicago Park District Preservation Architect Michael Fus and the Wicker Park Advisory Council to complete the restoration.

Restoration work on Gurgoyle Fountain begins this week and will be completed by July 2019, the SSA organization said.

“Our namesake park has been a place for residents and visitors to come together for over a century,” said WPB SSA #33 Commission Chair David James Ginople. “Restoring Gurgoyle Fountain helps maintain the vitality of our commercial district, as well as preserving an important historic landmark. We’re proud to support this project for the benefit of the entire neighborhood.”

The original cast iron Gurgoyle Fountain was created and installed in 1895 by J.L. Motts Iron Works. In 1908, the fountain was removed and a wading pool for children was installed in its place. A replica of the 1895 Gurgoyle Fountain was reinstalled in 2002 by Robinson Iron, cast from the original fountain molds.

“Numerous historic photos dating from 1895 show that the fountain court was the center of activity and a meeting place for people from the neighborhood and from all over the city,” said Doug Wood of the Wicker Park Advisory Council. “I’ve worked as volunteer in the park almost daily since 2002. Gurgoyle Fountain has again become a neighborhood symbol of life, change, creative inspiration and accomplishment, and positive growth. With the support of WPB SSA #33, the fountain will continue to be the center of our community.”

In 2007, WPB SSA #33 partnered with the Wicker Park Advisory Council to fund the purchase of eight white urns that mark the four entrances to the fountain court. WPAC also raised the funds for 12 historic benches that encircle the fountain court.

WPAC will work with WPB SSA #33, the Chicago Park District and elected city officials to establish and obtain funding for an annual maintenance plan for Gurgoyle Fountain, the SSA said.