The City of Savannah has initiated a significant restoration project for the Forsyth Park Fountain, marking its first major refurbishment since 1988. This development was approved by the City Council in their meeting on May 22.
The fountain, although still functional, requires essential restoration to maintain its structural and historical significance. The city has contracted Landmark Preservation LLC for this task, with a budget cap of $650,000.
City officials plan to remove the fountain from Forsyth Park in early June. The restoration is projected to conclude by early fall, barring any unexpected delays. This removal will be the first time in over a century that the fountain will not be present in the park. To accommodate this work, city staff have cleared the special events calendar for the area around the fountain during this period.
Landmark Preservation will collaborate with Robinson Iron Works from Alabama to carefully dismantle and restore the original cast-iron elements of the fountain. The project also includes restoring other parts such as the masonry of the basin, surrounding fence, water pumphouse, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Originally designed as a centerpiece for Forsyth Park’s landscape, the fountain has seen several changes since its initial installation. It was modeled after a design by J.P. Iron Foundry near Paris and ordered from Janes, Beebe & Co.’s catalog as “Model #5.” Installation began in July 1858 with an expansion of its pool area and it was first activated in August that year.
